Week 2 response papers - Essay Example

Post Response It is true that the environment or different ecosystems do not require human intervention to function naturally and to reinvent in case they (the ecosystems) are negatively affected. It is also correct that there are some things that will continue to exist in the world in spite of all human interventions (death, sickness, aging, and poverty). Hardin (1998) foresees the world reaching its human carrying capacity in the near future and advocates for the practice of sustainability in respect of regulating reproduction rights.

While this is practicable considering that controlling people’s values and temperance is difficult, this may not be the ultimate solution to the current and impending environmental problems. In agreement with the student post, teaching people and making them aware of the consequences of their actions can play a lot in changing people’s negative behavior. As the student notes, people may end up being less wasteful as they understand the kind of situation that may result due to their actions or inactions.

While laws help in bringing sanity, they alone too reduce people’s freedoms as noted by the student. A world with numerous freedoms taken away is not a healthy world in my personal view. The world would indeed be a better place if sustainability was upheld without necessarily imposing prohibitions or restrictions to such things as procreation as noted by Dasgupta (2007). As suggested b the student, it would be a noble idea to start teaching people about the issues of sustainability and environmental conservation at a tender age, giving them the opportunity to make informed choices about their preferences and actions.

ReferencesHardin, G. (1998). Extensions of `The Tragedy of the Commons. Science, 280(5364), 682. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.Dasgupta, P. 2007. The idea of sustainable development, Sustainability Science, 2(1):5-11Student Post 2 ResponseThe second student has presented very strong and interesting ideas. The notion that there are already too many laws, regulations and prohibitions is only the truth. However, these laws are broken every so often; even by the very same people who enact them, in some cases.

Furthermore, individual freedoms are reduced or altogether abolished with almost every single law that is enacted. Considering the above facts, education seems to be a better option in dealing with issues related to sustainability. When people are educated, they are in a better position to use their common senses to solve or avoid problems (Heal, 2009). Yet another commendable suggestion by the student is the idea that experimental tests should not be conducted in the atmosphere but under simulated conditions.

It is common for scientists to simulate how things would work under certain circumstances without putting people, equipment, animals and the environment at risk. Since the atmosphere is one, tests should be done using simulators with various factors conditioned to meet its (the atmosphere’s) specifications. This way, the atmosphere would be less at risk of pollution or destruction. Today, corporate social responsibility (CRS) and the notion of going green is top agenda for every “forward thinking” organization.

However, several companies go green or perform actions related to CRS not for the benefit of the environment or society but to ensure that the dollars keep flowing in their direction. This is hypocritical especially considering that during CRS and green events, organizations with capacity never fail to publicize their contributions. If such activities were honestly done without strings attached, the companies would not bother draw the level of attention and publicity that they currently command.

ReferencesHeal, G., 2009. Climate Economics: A Meta-Review and Some Suggestions for Future Research, Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, 3(1):4-21