The Natural Environment Stakeholders And Policy - Essay Example

?THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT STAKEHOLDERS AND POLICY Introduction Considerable number of public intellectuals and academics has voiced their concern regarding increasing complications and challenges in sustaining environment. The problem of environmental sustainability is brought about by overuse of the available natural resources. Population increase and other social issues have been associated with the current over-reliance on natural resources in some geographical areas. Some scholars have as well linked environmental degradation with increased social and political inequality. The competition for the available natural resources between powerful people and poor people in the society has increased the level of environmental degradation and social inequality. Therefore, powerful people use the wealth and power to eliminating poor people from using the available natural resources thus increasing social inequality. Based on the available statistical information, it is clear that, environmental degradation have resulted to detrimental social effects thus destroying public spirit and social fabric (Yearley 2005, p. 93). Based on the available statistical information and research findings, I am on the perspective that environmental sustainability in modern society has resulted to social inequality. This therefore means that, there is close relationship between environmental sustainability and social inequality. Environmental degradation and lack of effective measures to sustain the environment has caused inequality in human development both between countries and within a country. On the other hand, some scholars have as well argued that, inequality in the society have advanced modern environmental unsustainabilty. This therefore means that, there is vicious circle between environmental sustainability and inequality where one scenario may result to another. Professionals and organisation that are concerned with human inequality should therefore consider environment unsustainabilty in their policy formulation and implementation. On the other hand, since there is a bi-directional link between environmental sustainability and inequality, to realise the best from their policies, environmentalists should as well consider the impact of social and economic inequality to the environment (Stead & Stead 2009, p. 37). Over years, the issue of global environmental sustainability have attracted wide recognition and debate from global leaders, teachers, scientists, university students, citizens, and journalists. The biosphere has as well placed a very significant burden to humankind that is aimed at ensuring that the environment is effectively protected in order to eliminate social and economic inequality. The issues of environmental sustainability have therefore led to the formation of global organisations such as UNEP that are mandated with the responsibility of introducing effective means of dealing with modern environmental challenges. Global leaders have as well organised numerous global conferences to design policy that will ensure global environmental sustainability (Sutton 2007, p. 67). As defined, environmental sustainability is the ability to identify and maintain aspects and quality that are valued in physical environment. In most cases, the issue of sustainability emerges when valued objects, processes, systems, and attributes are under threat of extinction. Facilitating society members to do things that can satisfy their economic and social needs is one of the most essential aspects that define human development. Therefore, inequality is defined as lack of freedom and capability of attaining one’s social, economic, and political needs and demands. The subsequent essay will therefore address the issue of environmental sustainability and inequality in contemporary society Description of Environment Unsustainabilty and Social Inequality The issues of the relationship between environmental unsustainabilty and modern social and economic inequality have raised endless debate from environmental professionals and human right activists. Some social thinkers have argued that, there is no connection between environmental sustainability and modern inequality in the society. According to the argument of professionals who underrate the linkage between inequality and environmental sustainability, modern social inequality is elevated by other factors such as political division and unfair representation in political setting. Lack of effective policies to address social inequalities, unfair distribution of resources, limited resources in some geographical areas, poor governance and leadership as well as lack of effective policies to facilitate economic and social equality are as well critical factors that results to inequality (Schwanen, Banister & Anable, 2011, p. 47). Those who oppose the relationship between inequality and environmental sustainability have as well argued that, environmental degradation is enhanced by high population growth. Other factors that lead to environmental degradation include poor environmental policies, lack of political goodwill to implement the existing environmental policies, overreliance on natural resources as well as emergence of huge factories and industries in developed countries (Giddens, 2012, p. 37). As described by professionals who are against the inter-linkage between inequality and environmental sustainability, political leaders have instituted ineffective policies that have underrated the current attempt to enhance equality and equitable distribution of resources. The political debate against distribution of the available resources could as well play a very critical role in reducing modern inequality in the society. In addition, the natural environment has enough resources to satisfy basic needs of everyone in the society (Sahakian 2011, p. 123). However, the existing laws do not offer an opportunity for equal distribution of natural resources. Political and economic elites utilise their position in the society in ensuring that, they acquire all the available natural resources without considering interests of the ordinary person in the society. Lack of effective policies, are the main barrier for environmental sustainability. As argued by individuals and organizations that oppose the relationship between environmental sustainability and inequality, lack of political goodwill has as well played a very critical role in enhancing the existing environmental unsustainabilty. In addition, some very prominent leaders and environmentalists use the available environmental complications for their own personal gain and development. Although there are very effective policies that can help in managing environment, modern global government and other concerned organisations lack the goodwill of implementing some of these policies. Lack of political goodwill to implement the existing law is advanced by the complication that is linked either to the implementation of the set policies or lack of huge resources essential in implementing the policy. Therefore, according to professionals and scholars who oppose the relationship between environmental sustainability and modern social inequality, the exiting ineffective policies are responsible for modern environmental degradation. On the other hand, modern social inequality is as a result of lack of political goodwill and commitment toward implementing the existing policies (Jensen & Sandstrom, 2011, p. 345). Based on the available literatures and statistical facts, there is very close relationship between modern environmental sustainability and inequality. As described by models of sustainability, strong environmental sustainability offers an opportunity for the prevention of human and ecological resources. In contrary, weak environmental sustainability interferes negatively with the existing human and environmental resources. This therefore means that, effective environmental sustainability initiative can to a great extent enhance equality in the society. Theories and models According to modern scholars, four mains types of capital, social capital, human capital, fabricated capital and natural capital facilitates social and economic equality. Natural capital entails natural resources that provide human beings with social and economic resources from environmental amenities and natural resources. Human resources on the other hand entail individual competence, experience, and skills. As defined, social capital has to do with trust to individual and trust to the existing institutions and organisation structures that governs one’s life. In addition, environmental sustainability can be divided into two main types, weak environmental sustainability model and strong environmental sustainability model. Strong environmental sustainability model is based on the assumption that, natural resources and other forms of capital can easily be substituted with fabricated resources. This therefore means that, the only thing that is essential is total value of the capital stock. Based on this assumption, capital stock should be preserved and maintained in order to add value to future generations. Weak sustainability model on the other hand means that, the main aim of facilitating sustainability is to save enough for future generation. If the environment does not have the capacity of saving for future generation, then, the possibility of future social and environmental inequality is relatively high. As a result, the main aim of sustaining environment is to facilitate future equality. In a situation where the environment cannot be able to sustain needs and demands of future generations, then the likelihood of future environmental degradation is as well high. Strong environmental sustainability model on the other hand assumes that specific form of natural resource is very essential for future equality. Therefore, in order to facilitate future equality and equity, natural resources ought to be preserved to meet the demands and interests of future generation. Other forms of fabricated capital and resources should therefore not be used to deplete some of the most critical natural resources. By referring to the assumption contained in strong environmental sustainability, it is clear that, the environment has some very essential aspects that define the nature of interaction and equality in modern society. Policies to protect direct utilisation of these resources can result to reduction of inequality in future generation. The available empirical evidences confirm that, manmade sources have a direct and very critical input in the production and consumption of the existing natural resources. Economic theory talks about sustainable opportunities that occur in form of economic capital. By referring to the content in this theory, environmental degradation is an investment problem that results from ineffective utilisation of natural resources. Poor management of environmental resources for investment purpose is therefore a core factors that advances inequality in modern society. In addition, in order to facilitate equality and environmental preservation, investors should ensure that, their investments have positive impacts on environmental sustainability in order to facilitate equal distribution of resources and other social resources. Ecological theory on the other hand expounds on the importance of sustaining ecological integrity and biological diversity. According to ecologists, human being should not only focus on benefiting from the environment but should as well institute initiative to ensure prevention of the existing natural resources. The ecological theory offers key strategies of determining ecological resources that requires preservation for the sake of future equality and environmental sustainability. Based on the argument from this model, it is important for modern society to ensure total preservation of some of the most critical natural resources in the society such as forests and minerals. Therefore, by referring to the argument from the existing models and theories, preservation of natural resources will not only enhance environmental sustainability but will as well ensure consistent social and economic growth for future generations (O’Neill, Holland & Light, 2008, p. 125). Strong environmental sustainability has to do with preserving essential natural resources to sustain future generations. This includes resources that cannot be substituted by other human resources in the society as well as resources that cannot be replaced by other resources. Human being preserves some of the main natural resources in order to meet social interests essential for future development. Some of the most essential and commonly known natural resources include water resources, food, global climate, wetland, forest and biodiversity. Natural resources such as fossil fuel and minerals are some of the most critical resources that determine the nature and quality of human life. Fossils fuels and other mineral resources are as well described as the main cause of inequality in modern society. Although the direct effect of inequality to the environment is not clear, the available information have indicated that, the fight for the limited natural resources have to a great extent led to increased degradation of natural resources. Global leaders in the recent decades held various meetings with an aim of ensuring equality in the distribution of the available natural resources in order to protect unnecessary competition. A good number of global human right organisations have as well materialized due to unequal distribution of the available natural resources. Marginalised and poor people in modern society are denied their right to access the available natural resources thus advancing the level of unequal distribution of resources. Global social wars and conflicts have as well emerged due unequal distribution of natural resources. This is especially the case in countries where fuel in the main source of living. For instance, the social unrest in Libya was as a result of inequality in the distribution of natural resource. Liberals in the countries claimed that, Libya leaders mishandled resources that were acquired from the export of oil. The gap between rich and poor people in Libya was very huge thus increases the level of inequality in the country. By referring to this case, it is clear that, unequal distribution of natural resources in Libya resulted to unrest in the country. Rich people in the country therefore mishandled the available natural resources for their own personal interests and greed thus threatening the country’s environmental sustainability (Hulme 2009, p. 43). Application Researchers have as well observed that, inequality in the society in terms of income distribution could result to environmental degradation thus interfering with environmental sustainability. In most cases, inequality in resources distribution especially in poor countries leaves poor people with no option but to infringe the limited natural resources to earn a living (Bansal and Hoffman 2012, p. 79). For instance, poor people in the society may opt to clear marginal forests in order to practice peasant farming to satisfy their basic needs. Equality in distribution of the available natural resources could as well spur private investors to introduce policies that could preserve the environment. Education is as well a very essential aspect that helps in environmental protection. Through education system, students are trained on some of the most effective means of preserving the environment. Therefore, education inequality can deny some people access to training that is essential in facilitating environmental sustainability. Inadequate knowledge on the value of natural capital on current and future generation can as well be a cause of environmental degradation. Even though there is inequality in education system, a large number of the population will lack the knowledge that is essential in preserving environment and other critical natural resources. For instance, researches have confirmed that, cases of environmental degradation are common in poor states such as African states and part of Asian states. This is due to the fact; the rate of education inequality in these countries is very high compared to other developed countries such as Australia, United Kingdom and United States of America. The United Nations Environmental Programme has therefore proposed for the introduction of a policy that will ensure that, citizens who reside in less developed countries are adequately trained on the importance of preserving the environment. In addition, with an aim of preserving natural resources, UNEP has as well advocate for the adoption of policies that will reduce education inequality in global states. With regards to Millennium Development Goals, environmental sustainability and equal access to education are some of the key goals for economic development. This is due to the fact that, without fair distribution of resources, the possibility of environmental degradation will always be high (Ison, Pea & Wall 2002, p. 79). Moreover, inequality in public decision-making process and political economy has an impact on environmental sustainability. There exists a considerable level of inequality between those who have political say in public decision-making process and those who are not equally presented in public decision-making process. Although every members of the society ought to be represented in decision-making process, there is a considerable level of inequality in some democratic states that result to confusion and unfairness in resource distribution. In this situation, small rulings elites are left with the responsibility of deciding on behave of majority population in the society. In this kind of setting, the decisions made by these small groups of people do not meet the necessary demands and interests of entire society (Foster 2008 p 89). However, in countries that upholds the principle of democracy, there is always fair distribution of the existing natural resources thus reducing chances of environmental degradation. In a democratic setting, citizen are better informed on the importance of natural resources and the most effective ways of sustaining natural environment. Society members can express their demands and concern regarding environmental sustainability. Having an opportunity to express grievances can significantly reduce environmental degradation thus facilitating in environmental sustainability (Deutz, 2009, p 275). The established environmental organisations in democratic states put pressure to political elites to respond to environmental demands and needs thus advancing environmental sustainability. Moreover, in non-democratic states, government restrict its citizen from access to information that is critical to environmental sustainability. In non-democratic states, organisation and civil societies that addresses environmental issues are as well restricted from presenting their grievances to the government. In democratic states that allow fair representation as well as equal access to information, there are effective policies that ensure that the environment is preserve in order to sustain the needs of future generation In addition, policy makers formulate and institutes policies that seek to address environmental concerns as well as satisfying demands for existing environmental protection measures. In autocratic systems, ruling elites are likely to manage and control polluting environment thus disproportionately benefiting from externalising environmental costs. In this kind of setting, ruling elite have little interest in controlling environmental pollution. This is due to the fact that, these political elite have accumulated wealth that can help them buy environmental amenities thus restricting them from being victims of the impacts of environmental degradation (Mol & Sonnefeld 2000, p. 67). Conclusion In the light of the above argument, it is clear that, there is very close connection between environmental sustainability and social inequality. By referring to the available facts and numerical figures, countries that have high level of inequality have a problem in sustaining their natural environment. Political elites uses their political power and influence to control natural resources for their own benefit thus leaving an ordinary citizen with very limited resources to satisfy their own basic needs. In addition, information on how to control and manage environment is very essential and critical. This means that, education inequality can result to environmental unsustainabilty. Since they are the formulators and implementers of policies and regulations, political leaders in non-democratic states use their position to come up with policies that meets their own interest without considering environmental sustainability. Non-democratic states do not give their citizen an opportunity to present their grievances regarding environmental degradation. Therefore, based on the available information, it is almost impossible to have environmental sustainability with inequality in the society. Policy makers and other environmental experts should therefore come up with effective policies that will enhance equality in order to attain environmental sustainability. References Bansal, P. & A. Hoffman (eds.), 2012, “Business and the natural environment”, Oxford University Press: Oxford. Deutz, P., 2009, “Producer responsibility in a sustainable development context: ecological modernisation or industrial ecology?” The Geographical Journal, 175(4), 274-285. Foster, J., 2008, “The Sustainability Mirage – Illusion and Reality in the Coming War on Climate Change”, Earthscan: London. Giddens, A. 2012, “The Politics of Climate Change”, Cambridge: Polity Press Hulme, M., 2009, “Why we disagree about climate change”, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Ison, S., Peake, S. & Wall S., 2002, “Environmental Issues and Policies”, Essex: Pearson Gate Ltd Jensen, J. & Sandstrom, J., 2011, “Stakeholder theory and globalisation: The challenges of power and responsibility” Organization Studies 32(4), 473-488. Mol, A.P.J. & Sonnefeld, D.A 2000, “Ecological modernisation around the world: An introduction”, Environmental Politics, 9(1), 1-14, 399-441. O’Neill, J., Holland, A. & Light, A., 2008, “Environmental Values”, Routlege: Oxon Sahakian, M., 2011, “Understanding household energy consumption patterns: When “West is Best” in Metro Manila”, Energy Policy, 39(2), 596-602. 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