Governance for Environmental Sustainability - Report Example

Name: Task: Affiliation: Date: Governance and Sustainable Development Introduction Researchers and scholars have agreed that there is a broad consensus with political and scholarly debates relating to governance and societal transformation guided by sustainable development. Enhancing sustainable development requires efforts that cannot be achieved by individual’s rather collective actions for the goals to be effected. The collective action tend to include an exclusive responsibility of the government leaving out the role of citizens and other bodies in ensuring that environment is safeguarded for the good of all. Therefore, it is paramount to note that businesses, NGOs and other concerned bodies should work hand in hand to realize the set goals and objectives (Baker & Eckerberg, 2007, p.330)Therefore, governance for environmental sustainability refers to the process of interaction between the public and the private sectors with an aim of realizing the collective goals. Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, and Garrett Hardin’s ‘Tragedy of the Commons’ are good illustrations of governance and environmental sustainability and how individual contribution can enhance the set goals and targets effectively. Garret Hardin tragedy of the commons was an instrumental tool that was used to advocate and enhance effective governance for environmental sustainability. Hardin who was a biologist outlined what he described as “the tragedy of commons” and noted that are owned by the public (common resources) such as world, atmosphere and the oceans tend to be overused even to the point where environment collapses. However, no one wants the outcome in the absence of ownership hence making it rational for the individuals to take responsibility for the common resources. Understanding the tragedy of commons and the need for international agreement or regulation-mutual coercion, Hardin asserts that prevention is the starting point for today’s environmental dangers (Dauvergne, 2005, p.45). The tragedy of the commons develops when a picture of a pasture open to all is presented to the reader. It is expected that that each herdsman will try to ensure that he keeps several animals. In cases of such practices, this may work satisfactorily for centuries since tribal wars, poaching and disease will keep the numbers of both man animals below the carrying capacity. Finally, the day of reckoning comes and the goal of social stability is achieved. At this particular point, the inherent logic of the commons remorselessly generates a tragedy (George, 2007p.110).Rationally; each herdsman tries to maximize his gain for the good of the cows. Explicitly or implicitly, he asks, “What is the utility to me of adding one more animal to my herd?” The utility has one positive and one negative component. The positive component is normally a function of the increment of the animal.The additional animal creates the second component of the function of the additional overgrazing. However, the entire animals share the effects of overgrazing and therefore, the herdsman opted to go for additional cow continuously. Each rational man in the grazing field found that adding the cows was the only solution they would adopt for their good. They were locked up in a world where they were supposed to increase the herds without limit in a world where the resources are limited (Hardin, 2013,). Hardin asserts that ruin is the destination where all the people are running to and each of them pursuing the course for his own interests. Therefore, the freedom of commons eventually brings ruin to all people. In this kind of a situation, the individual benefits while the society languishes in poverty and suffering. The Hardin’s tragedy of commons is relevant to the modern world. Although it was written about five decades ago, the argument is still highly practical and applicable. For instance, the manufacturing companies all over the world have producing the ozone and green houses that are responsible for global warming. For instance, America is one of the leading countries in producing the green houses gases (Hardin & Baden, 2005, p.67). The gas is emitted by factories that are owned by the minorities and that is the bourgeoisie, they destroy the atmosphere and the entire civilian population has to grapple with consequences. For example, the green houses deplete ozone layer o the atmosphere and the cosmic rays from the sun reach the surface of the earth. People, who have light skin, may start developing skin cancer, which is fatal. It is worth noting that the manufacturing companies developed these skin cancers because of selfish gains. Many people get sick while others die. The owners of the manufacturing companies are wealthy and even if they get sick, they will afford treatment. This affirms that Hardin tragedy of commons is highly practical and relevant in the contemporary society. Moreover, global warming is an impact of exploitation of the commons (Mansbach, & Rhodes, 2003, p.56). The chemical and manufacturing companies normally release excessive carbon IV oxide gas into the atmosphere hence contributing to global warming. Global warming has contributed to immense melting of ice in the polar and glaciers hence increasing the water levels in the sea. The escalated level of water leads to occurrence of frequent floods that affect the coastal regions. The tornados, Katrina’s and Tsunamis that affect the coastal areas are caused by the increased amount of water resulting from melting of ice and snow. Consequently, international bodies have been formed to ensure that the production of the green house gases is reduced and the countries that do not conform to the agreements are fined appropriately. UNEP is a creation of united nation that ensures that environmental conservation is enhanced. It has formulated the MDGs and other rules related to environmental management in attempt to ensure that the environment is managed effectively. Every member of the United Nations is required to adhere to the MDG that asserts that green house gases should be reduced in attempt to reduce the impact in the oceans. The restating of the MDG in 2013 followed a high level of green house gases in 2013 hence reaffirming the essence of ensuring that environment is protected. Every president is required to conform to the specification from the united nation hence enhancing governance and environmental sustainability (Dauvergne, 2005, p.56). Harding tragedy of common tend to be employed by the World Bank in attempt to reduce the effects of diminishing ozone layer and global warming. The bank was trying to achieve collective responsibility in a world divided in the sovereign states. The first of these normally provides something of a model of adaptive changes and cooperation through the process of learning, building capacity for action and the compromising between the domestic and the international interests. The analysis by the World Bank affirms that warming has been less amendable to the collective action than the ozone issue. Despite some progresses, the institutions need to coerce the individual states so that they can modify their behavior for the ultimate benefit of the humanity as a whole (Hardin, 2013, p.67). The institutions and the departments of the government ought to be developed in ways that offer efficiency in sustainability and environment development. Research shows that leaky refrigerators, fire extinguishers and the aerosol sprays can seriously damage the entire biosphere. World has taken the initiative of educating the relevant government and authorities so that they can act accordingly(George,2007,p.55). Rachel Carson is another author whose work remains significant even today. She meticulously wrote about the effects of DDT which is the most powerful pesticide and its impact on the environment.DDT is the most powerful insecticide the world has ever known when it is exposed to the vulnerable nature. Unlike, the normal pesticides, DDT would destroy hundreds of insects at once hence making it lethal to the environment. It was developed in 1939 and its effectiveness was seen in its ability to destroy the malaria pathogens in the South Pacific islands (Lytle 2007,p.67). On the other hand, in Europe, it was an effective de-lousing powder and the inventor was awarded a Nobel Prize for that particular work. Later on, the powder became available to the civilians and few people among those who used it developed second thoughts concerning the same. The indiscriminate spraying of the same might upset the environment through killing even the productive and essential insects (Mansbach & Rhodes, 2003, p.55). The effects of DDT spraying led to the massive death of birds in Massachusetts hence proving it to be a disastrous insecticide. Carson tried to intervene through writing educative articles, but her concern was taken into account. She explained the effects of DDT and how people were suffering from cancer since the insecticide had infiltrated in the food web and ultimately in the human body. Both terrestrial and marine life was at stake and therefore the use of DDT was banned(NDRC, 2013,). Therefore, the teachings of Carson are still relevant. Other harmful chemicals have been produced and they are harming the environment more and more. Irrigation schemes have immensely contributed to environmental degradation since the pesticides are washed to the river hence destroying the water catchments as well as the aquatic life. For instance, most of the marine creatures are at stake due to accumulation of industrial effluents as well as other pollutants. Therefore, the governments of respective areas and the concerned authorities have been working hand in hand to ensure that pollution is minimized. Through such initiatives, it is possible to overcome the pollution menace. The study and writing above contributed to formulation of strategies that are still relevant (Sarsby, 2010). For instance, the pesticide compaies normally make selective chemicals to ensure that chemicals do not alter the food chain. Moreover, governments are educating farmers on effective use of pesticide and practicing organic farming in attempt to ensure that environmental degradation is prevented under all costs. In conclusion, it is evident that Rachel Carson and Garret Harding’s tragedy has been paramount in ensuring that governance for environmental sustainability is achieved. Their writings have influenced the government and the international community. Environment protection has been the priority of man government since the common resources are limited. Bann of toxic pesticides such as DDT was an initiative by the government to ensure that goals are achieved ultimately. References Baker, S., & Eckerberg, K. (2007). Governance for Sustainable Development in Sweden: Local Environment, 12(4), 325-342. Dauvergne, P. (2005). Handbook of global environmental politics. Northampton, Mass.: E. Elgar. Fadare, S. O. (2009). Sustainable environment. Ile-Ife, Nigeria: Obafemi Awolowo University Press. George, C. (2007). Sustainable Development and Global Governance. The Journal of Environment & Development, 16(1), 102-125. Hardin, G. (.2013). The Tragedy of the Commons. The Tragedy of the Commons. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from http://www.geo.mtu.edu/~asmayer/rural_sustain/governance/Hardin%201968.pdf Hardin, G. J., & Baden, J. (2005). Managing the commons. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman. Lytle, M. H. (2007). The gentle subversive: Rachel Carson, Silent spring, and the rise of the environmental movement. New York: Oxford University Press. Mansbach, R. W., & Rhodes, E. (2003). Global politics in a changing world: a reader (2nd ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin. NDRC, N. (2013.). The Story of Silent Spring. Silent Spring Summary. Retrieved September 16, 2014, from http://www.nrdc.org/health/pesticides/hcarson.asp. Sarsby, R. W. (2010). Construction for a sustainable environment. Vilnius, Lithuania, 1-4 July 2008. Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC . Read More

The positive component is normally a function of the increment of the animal.The additional animal creates the second component of the function of the additional overgrazing. However, the entire animals share the effects of overgrazing and therefore, the herdsman opted to go for additional cow continuously. Each rational man in the grazing field found that adding the cows was the only solution they would adopt for their good. They were locked up in a world where they were supposed to increase the herds without limit in a world where the resources are limited (Hardin, 2013,).

Hardin asserts that ruin is the destination where all the people are running to and each of them pursuing the course for his own interests. Therefore, the freedom of commons eventually brings ruin to all people. In this kind of a situation, the individual benefits while the society languishes in poverty and suffering. The Hardin’s tragedy of commons is relevant to the modern world. Although it was written about five decades ago, the argument is still highly practical and applicable. For instance, the manufacturing companies all over the world have producing the ozone and green houses that are responsible for global warming.

For instance, America is one of the leading countries in producing the green houses gases (Hardin & Baden, 2005, p.67). The gas is emitted by factories that are owned by the minorities and that is the bourgeoisie, they destroy the atmosphere and the entire civilian population has to grapple with consequences. For example, the green houses deplete ozone layer o the atmosphere and the cosmic rays from the sun reach the surface of the earth. People, who have light skin, may start developing skin cancer, which is fatal.

It is worth noting that the manufacturing companies developed these skin cancers because of selfish gains. Many people get sick while others die. The owners of the manufacturing companies are wealthy and even if they get sick, they will afford treatment. This affirms that Hardin tragedy of commons is highly practical and relevant in the contemporary society. Moreover, global warming is an impact of exploitation of the commons (Mansbach, & Rhodes, 2003, p.56). The chemical and manufacturing companies normally release excessive carbon IV oxide gas into the atmosphere hence contributing to global warming.

Global warming has contributed to immense melting of ice in the polar and glaciers hence increasing the water levels in the sea. The escalated level of water leads to occurrence of frequent floods that affect the coastal regions. The tornados, Katrina’s and Tsunamis that affect the coastal areas are caused by the increased amount of water resulting from melting of ice and snow. Consequently, international bodies have been formed to ensure that the production of the green house gases is reduced and the countries that do not conform to the agreements are fined appropriately.

UNEP is a creation of united nation that ensures that environmental conservation is enhanced. It has formulated the MDGs and other rules related to environmental management in attempt to ensure that the environment is managed effectively. Every member of the United Nations is required to adhere to the MDG that asserts that green house gases should be reduced in attempt to reduce the impact in the oceans. The restating of the MDG in 2013 followed a high level of green house gases in 2013 hence reaffirming the essence of ensuring that environment is protected.

Every president is required to conform to the specification from the united nation hence enhancing governance and environmental sustainability (Dauvergne, 2005, p.56). Harding tragedy of common tend to be employed by the World Bank in attempt to reduce the effects of diminishing ozone layer and global warming. The bank was trying to achieve collective responsibility in a world divided in the sovereign states. The first of these normally provides something of a model of adaptive changes and cooperation through the process of learning, building capacity for action and the compromising between the domestic and the international interests.

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