Excessive Use of Energy Resources by the Affluent Society Is the Root Cause of Current Environment Problems - Coursework Example

Excessive use of energy resources by the affluent society is the root cause of current environment problems Introduction Since the last half centurythe major concern that has kept scientists across the world worried is the rapid depletion of the earth’s natural resources. One key reason attributed to the impending crisis is the rapid growth of human population and with it increase in the per capital energy consumption. Indeed, since 1850, energy consumption in the form of fuel and also wood for cooking in poor countries has increased by 20 times while population has increased by 6.5 times in the same period (Ehrlich & Ehrlich, 210). Scientists have mathematically expressed the factors that influence environment degradation: I=P.A.T. Growing population as factor for current environmental problems Overpopulation, especially in developing countries, is considered as principle factor for environmental problems. This fact is already evident in many global statistics. For instance, according to records more than one billion people are suffering from starvation and clean water is inaccessible to even more people. Also, basic sanitation is a problem for almost 2.6 billion people across the globe (Kuo, 24). While most developed countries keep fertility rates lower than replacement, the same is not true in the case of underdeveloped countries. Such high population growth will exert extreme pressure on the environment with increasing pollution, global warming, deforestation, and damage to fisheries and fertile soil. The UN prediction of 8.9 billion people by 2050 is a cause of major alarm especially in the underdeveloped countries. However, this is an optimistic figure since the current annual rate of population growth which is 1.3% indicates that by 2050 the population will reach 12 billion (Cassils, 174). Although overpopulation is considered as having adverse effect on environment, it is actually the related issues like poverty, affluence lifestyle, and economic disparities that are more directly responsible. This is what has been explained by I=P.A.T equation. It indicates that environmental impact (I) is caused by incessant growth of population (P) multiplied by affluent lifestyle (A) of specific societies causing increase of per capita consumption of energy which is further attributed to technological developments (T) which can cause greater consumption of energy or can lead to reduced consumption by better management of natural resources (Forsyth, 44). Population is a major element in this equation, although not the only one. The economic condition of an individual is a vital factor. In poor countries, where population increases at an incessant rate, there are financial resources to reduce environmental erosion and promote sustainable solutions. Such vicious cycle causes further degradation of the environment and end result is extreme negative impact on human health. Ironically, in developed countries like the U.S., people from affluent circles tend to consume more resources leading to increasing pollution. Thus, technological developments while on one hand result in increase resource consumption, on the other hand, can pave the way for sustainable development. Overuse of energy as result of growing population Therefore, more than overpopulation its consequence, i.e. overconsumption of energy, especially, in the developed countries that mostly contribute towards environmental crisis. World records have shown that 1000 million people dwell in urban communities where the air pollution level has reached the margin that can cause health problems. It has been estimated that 28% of the US population is exposed to harmful particles in the air which causes 48,000 deaths in the country every year. Moreover, 46% of US population is exposed to high level of ozone that can cause respiratory and cardiac problems (Earthscan, 137). It has been observed that US cities are the most energy consuming compared to cities in other developed countries. The reason behind this is overuse of private automobiles which have least fuel efficiency compared to other forms of transport. This also indicates high congestion causing intensive pollution. Moreover, private cars require parking areas that contribute towards “urban heat island effect” which compels more people to use air-conditioning to minimize the effect thus increasing energy consumption (Earthscan, 137). Impact of affluent lifestyle on the environment problems People residing in developed countries are increasingly prospering and enjoying a kind of affluent lifestyle that was unknown to previous generations. The major source of energy needed to support the comfortable lifestyle by means of increased consumption of electricity and transport is supported by fossil fuels. People who belong in the affluent circle have the tendency to change their dietary habit to more consumption of meat. Scientifically stated, increased consumption of meat leads to enormous quantity of energy expenditure. This is because energy first passes from grain, which is the producer, to animals who feed on grains. According to the second law of thermodynamics, “the higher we feed on the food chain (the more meat we eat), the more energy we use” (Hobbs, 62). Research says that in any one year an average American citizen consumes “100 pounds of beef, 50 pounds of pork, and 45 pounds of poultry” (Hobbs, 62). In the case of the animals, it has been seen that at the time they are slaughtered, “a cow has eaten 10 pounds of grain per pound of its body weight; a pig, 5 pounds; and a chicken, 3 pounds” (Hobbs, 62). Therefore, it has been ascertained that a single American citizen can consume as much energy just by consuming meat that is required to produce 1,330 pounds of grain. If the Americans eliminate meat products from their diet, then several people can survive with the energy that a single American citizen is consuming currently (Hobbs, 62). Therefore, the answer to the question regarding the number of people that the earth can support needs to be rephrased. This is because the answer depends on the amount of energy that is consumed by people, especially by those who lead an affluent lifestyle. Hence, it can be assumed that the root cause of environmental problems on earth is the excessive use of the earth’s resources and subsequent production of waste by most affluent group of humans. This is reflected in the statistics of the American consumers. It has been estimated that the U.S. which consists of less than 5% of global population consumes about 25% of the world’s energy resources. According to 2003 records, the number of private cars in the country exceeded the number of licensed drivers, and the most popular vehicles were “gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles” (“The state of consumption today”). Also, houses that were constructed in 2002 used 38% more area than houses constructed in 1975 although the number of people residing in each house was less in 2002 than in 1975. The grave environmental situation can be further understood by the fact that “the planet has available 1.9 hectares of biologically productive land per person to supply resources and absorb wastes—yet the average person on Earth already uses 2.3 hectares worth” (“The state of consumption today”). It is estimated that by 2050, there will be 9 billion people on earth. It has been assumed that if the kind of affluence enjoyed by a certain section of people becomes the lifestyle of half of the 9 billion population, then there will be severe negative impact on the earth’s natural resources including water supply, air quality and climate (“The state of consumption today”). Proposed solutions In I=P.A.T formula, P stands for population. One basic problem is that, for many policymakers population is still a non-issue. Therefore, the first step needs to be creating awareness about basic demographic facts in order to pursue sustainable development. By educating both citizens and policymakers on population issues, by designing and implementing public policies, it is possible to drastically reduce population growth across the world. Next, A stands for affluent lifestyle may be mark of status in the society; however for the sake of saving the planet it is now time to look for sustainable solutions to reduce consumption of energy. One way of saving energy is lowering consumption of meat since meat processing plants need large quantity of water and energy, and also large areas are required for breeding animals. Also, one can reduce eating in restaurants because kitchens in restaurants operate at high temperature (Moan & Smith, 79-80). Finally, T is technology which means use of resources in the manner that will have least impact on the environment. Simple measures like switching off television, lights and air-conditioners when not in use or riding bikes instead of cars can save energy. Moreover, in the US, in places where climates are extreme, houses can be built in abode-style as they remain cooler in summer and can trap heat during winters. Conclusion The natural tendency of human beings is to focus on short-term goals of bringing pleasure to life, and overlook the crisis that is looming ahead simply because the impact may not be felt by the current generation. If a certain section of the population continues to lead an affluent lifestyle that causes high consumption of energy, environmental degradation will be set on irreversible course and the future of life on earth will be threatened. References Cassils, J. Anthony “Overpopulation, Sustainable Development, and Security: Developing an Integrated Strategy”, Population and Environment, 25.3 (2004) 171-194 Earthscan. Cities in a globalizing world, Earthscan Publications Ltd., 2001 Ehrlich, Paul R. & Ehrlich, Anne H. The Dominant Animal: Human Evolution and the Environment, Island Press, 2012 Forsyth, Tim. Critical Political Ecology: The Politics of Environmental Science, Routledge, 2003 Hobbs, Joseph. World Regional Geography, Cengage Learning, 2008 Kuo, Gioietta “Megacrisis? Overpopulation is the problem”, World Future Review, 4.3 (2012) 23-32 Moan, Jaina L. & Smith, Zachary A. Energy Use Worldwide, ABC-CLIO, 2007 “The State of Consumption Today” worldwatch. 2013, October 18, 2014 from: http://www.worldwatch.org/node/810 Read More