Poverty and Pollution - Coursework Example

Poverty and Pollution Case Study March 04, Introduction With the rise industrialization,the world became aware of the problems like environmental degradation and pollution. In the middle of the 20th century issues like global warming and environmental pollution started to startle the world. At that point in time, industrialization was rapidly increasingly in developed countries. When the world became aware of the dangers of global warming and environmental pollution, the developed world was in a very good position, economically, and, therefore, was able to switch to environmental friendly industries. This was the not the case with the developing world. In later part of 20th century, the industrialization process was still young in the developing world, and so they were not in a position to change gear and switch to environmentally friendly technology. Many developing countries are still not able to tackle the problem of environmental pollution because it is not economically feasible for them to invest in environmental friendly technology. The issue of environmental pollution will be discussed in the paper with regards to developing countries. A global plan for pollution control will also be laid down in the end of the paper. Ethical Implications of Pollution Third world countries are more prone to environmental pollution than the developed countries because businesses in the third-world countries pay little heed towards environmental concern (Taylor, 2002). The moral repercussions of environmental pollution in the third-world countries are substantial. When businesses pollute the oceans, rivers, lands, and atmosphere of third world countries, they indirectly affect the health of the inhabitants of those countries. This is why the act of pollution can never be ethically justified. Environmental pollution in the third-world countries can also not be justified through argument of economic progress. There is no doubt that industries and businesses offer employment opportunities to local people which is instrumental in improving their living standards. But this opportunity comes at the price of their health and this cannot be ethical. Basic ethics demands that every person is given employment opportunity without compromising his health or the health of others. When businesses pollute the environment of a third-world country, they endanger the health of the people of that country. This is why there is not sound ethical justification for doing so. Reasons of Pollution in a Third-World Country Businesses in the third-world countries have many reasons to ignore pollution control. The cost of investing in environmentally friendly equipment is extremely high for the businesses of third-world countries. They justify environmental degradation by arguing that they will lose all their competitiveness if they invest in expensive technology. A very good example here will be of industrial waste. Industrial waste is extremely harmful for the environment but it is very expensive to dispose of industrial waste in an environmental friendly manner. On the other hand, disposing of industrial waste in seas and oceans is very easy and cost effective. This is the main conflict of interest that gives rise to environmental pollution in third-world countries all over the world. People of the third-world countries also do not speak up against these businesses. In the developed world, there are many environmental friendly groups that can make life miserable for businesses that degrade the environment but this is not the case in the third-world countries. This also allows businesses to pollute and ignore pollution control standards while operating in a third-world country. There is also no check and balance on businesses in a third-world country. Governments are often weak and, therefore, are not in a position to make sure that businesses follow pollution control standards. This is another reason why businesses in a third-world country continue to pollute the environment. These businesses also provide economic benefits and job opportunities to the people of the country which is another reason why many third-world governments close their eyes on environmental pollution. How Pollution should not be the Price of Progress? Some consider environmental pollution inevitable in the third-world countries because it is the only way these countries can develop. These people generally label environmental pollution in the third-world countries as the price of progress. The link between economic progress and development is not very strong, and this is why pollution is not the price of progress. Economic progress is of no use to people if this costs them their lives! It is therefore not justified to treat economic progress same as development. A country is developed when the people of that country are developed in every possible way and not just economically. This is why pollution should not be the price of progress. The connection between pollution control and environmental protection is strong because one leads to another. Pollution control will lead to environmental protection which is why we cannot argue that pollution is the price of progress. No country can survive in the longer run if they compromise on their environment. Ignoring pollution control will mean ignoring the environment which is not suitable for the third-world. Right to Clean and Livable Environment Everyone has a basic right to a clean environment that is able to support necessary nourishment. Equality of human beings is something that is inherent to our moral values, and therefore no differentiating can be made between people of developing countries and people of the developed world. If people of the developed world have a right to live in a clean environment then the same rights should be available to the people of third-world. This basic logic is indisputable in every way. A clean environment is necessary to survive for all human beings and, therefore, no one can dispute the right to a livable environment. People experience significant health problems due to environmental pollution and this reduces their living standard, and increases mortality rates of third-world countries. This is why right to a livable environment is pretty much equal to the right to sustain. People cannot sustain for a longer period of time if they do not get clean environment, and this is why everyone should have a right to a clean environment. Are Wealthy Nations obliged to Help Poorer Countries? There is no doubt that wealthy nations have sorted out the issue of pollution to a great extent because of their strong economies (Kruger, 1995). They have developed strong regulations in order to force firms to abide by strict pollution control standards. The main question is that should wealthy and developed countries extend their hands to poorer nations in order to solve issues of environmental pollution. The answer to this question is yes because poorer countries will never be able to solve their pollution problems themselves. Their economic infrastructure is very weak which does not allow them to even think about environmental pollution. They have other major priorities like fighting famine and dealing with law and order situation. In such a political environment, pollution goes second on the list of priorities. Wealthy and developed countries can help third-world countries by providing them with the right technology and monetary support (Gray, 2012). They can also open trade routes with developing countries so that their economy flourishes and their firms do not lose competitiveness. Economic help and technological help can do wonders for developing countries, and this is why wealthy nations should help poorer nations in solving their environmental problems. Developed world is also obliged to help poorer countries because the issue of environment is global. It is not restricted to geographical boundaries. Developed countries are obliged to help poorer countries because if they do not then they will also have to suffer due to pollution of third-world countries. Global Uniform Plan for Environmental Pollution A global uniform pollution control should allow all countries to emit similar environmental pollution. Pollution exceeding the set limit will be fined and this will be applicable for all developed and developing countries. Environmental pollution will be measured per 100,000 people so as to account for population differences. All countries should be made to follow a uniform pollution control plan. This plan will be enforced by threatening countries with economic sanctions. Countries that do not abide should be embargoed. This will be more than enough to make everyone follow standards for pollution control. Developing countries should receive help from the developed world but this does not mean that they should be allowed to pollute the atmosphere of earth. Developing countries should invest in technology that is available. The negative effects of following pollution standards will be mitigated through the help of wealthier countries. Third-world countries cannot be given extra freedom to pollute otherwise they will never stop pollution in their own countries ever. Conclusion The issue of pollution in the third-world countries is growing rapidly and soon the whole world will be exposed to the dangers of environmental pollution. This is why it is imperative that third world countries are provided with appropriate economic support and technology to fight the issue of pollution. At the same time, strict pollution control standards should be applied to developing countries so that they stop the emission of harmful gases in the atmosphere. References Gray, L. (2012). Doha: Should rich countries pay for climate change ‘loss and damage’? The Telegraph UK. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/climatechange/9711628/Doha-Should-rich-countries-pay-for-climate-change-loss-and-damage.html Kruger, A. (1995). Trade Policies and Developing Nations. New Jersey: Brookings Institution Press Taylor, J. (2002). It’s the Third World — Not the West — that’s Unsustainable. CATO Institute. Retrieved from http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/its-third-world-not-west-s-unsustainable Read More