Environmentalism ought to be examined in a philosophical context to develop an understanding of the different factors at play and even the viability of some strategies of environmentalism. The issue of public land leased to coal mining companies by the Department of Interior provides a perfect case scenario to explore the philosophical aspects of this issue with an emphasis on the factors that are at play in a tussle. A lawsuit has been filed against the Department of Interior because it leases public land to coal mining companies despite the well-documented evidence that coal mining is the world’s largest source of Carbon Dioxide production and a greenhouse gas contributing to the crisis of climate change.
The fact that the billionaire Paul Allen has offered to fund the suit against the government for the leasing of coal mining land to corporations is an indication of his application of ethics and perhaps pragmatism. Instead of supporting environmental groups that have doubtful efficacy in aiding preservation of the environment. The suit is direct and definite in its attempt to stop or at least reduce coal mining that results in significant amounts of Carbon Dioxide released into the environment. Nevertheless, it is crucial to realize that assuming that the coal mining corporations are “evil” or any other explanation that portrays them as having a defective character is wrong. Their perspective is different from the conservatives’ views; for example, coal is a critical and essential source of energy in the US and globally. In addition, it is evident from the article that corporations such as Northwest Coal Export Terminals are trying to remain solvent in their industry. Furthermore, to the state obtaining energy and even taxes from the coal mining operations, it is more apparent that coal mining provides numerous job opportunities to the people who live in these regions. This provides a different perspective to the presumption that the coal mining and exporting corporations have a malicious intent behind their operations. It is arguable that they are just companies seeking to provide needed energy sources and jobs for their employees.
On the other hand, the fact that the State of Wyoming will provide financial assistance to the coal mining company is indicative of the current issues with priorities of the government regarding environmental preservation efforts. Coal is unquestionably one of the greatest sources of Carbon Dioxide when burnt to provide energy. In fact, in areas such as China the smog resulting from coal burning alongside other industrial activities dangerous enough to cause schools and public facilities to be closed for weeks to fear of respiratory damage. The effect of Carbon Dioxide on Climate change is also well documented with a corresponding increase in global temperatures as more Carbon Dioxide is released into the environment. This shows a discord in the expected moral foundation of the state’s decisions. The state exhibits a lack of concern for the environment where they support the corporations whose very job is to produce a climate change inducing product.
The tragedy of the commons can also be seen in the climate change repercussions; it is arguable that the world’s environment is a shared resource for all humans and organisms that exist on the planet. Nonetheless, a significant difference exists between the countries that play the greatest role in causing climate change and those that bear the blunt of climate change. The developed world is the biggest consumer of energy especially fossil fuels including coal and petroleum products due to industries and even standard of living. The developing nations and third world countries have a significantly lower industrial base and standard of life with a corresponding reduction of Carbon Dioxide for environmental pollution.
Most of the developing nations are situated alongside the equatorial belt of Africa and sea costs. Climate change has resulted in severe effects for these regions including droughts and flooding due to changing weather patterns and rising sea levels. The effects of these issues are further exacerbated by the fact that the countries lack the financial resources to deal with the catastrophes they are faced with; this leaves them at the mercy of foreign assistance. On the other hand, developed countries in the temperate regions of Europe and America have avoided the worst effects of climate change despite their disproportionate contributions to the problems. In addition, due to their economic power, the developed countries can deal with the challenges. For example, California suffered a drought for years, but there were no significant changes in the lives of its residents short of a few lifestyle changes such as watering laws. A similar drought in Africa would have resulted in starvation and migrations. The difference between causes of climate changes and its effects shows a tragedy of commons where a group of nations enjoys coal alongside other petroleum product sources at the expense of the majority of developing and third world countries.
Nevertheless, environmental conservation steps measures such as Paul Allen is taking must be tempered with a clear distinction between theory and practice. Scholars have criticized American environmentalism for its radical natures and disregard for practical realities. For example, it is arguable that under a free market economy stopping the Department of Interior from leasing the land to coal mining companies, then coal will be sourced from other regions. An equally cheap and available alternative to coal must be found before taking the radical stance that coal mining must be stopped. In addition, importing nations such as China need to transition progressively from their coal reliance to a more environmentally friendly alternative. As the Chipko movement holds, progress must be innovative, responsible, equitable and peaceful. A disruptive court ruling will only result in the coal being obtained from other areas.
In conclusion, this paper argues for a more pragmatic approach where the intrinsic value of nature is recognized, but a holistic approach to finding solutions to climate change can be found. Paul Allen’s gesture while noble is failing to account for the fact that coal is used due to its cheapness and availability. Finding an alternative to coal is the surest way of ensuring that coal is not used or mined. It is paramount to realize that people and nations will always prioritize energy security over conservation. The viable route as demonstrated by countries such as Germany is in investing in alternatives environmentally friendly energy sources such as hydropower, the wind, and solar energy. With adequate investments is such alternatives then coal mining would be rendered useless and completely replaced. Environmental issues must be approached with such a conflict resolution approach as opposed to intrinsically ideal attempts at stopping coal mining in a particular region that would be impractical and have a negligible impact on the larger scale.
Works Cited
Ahearn, Ashley. "Seattle Billionaire Steps Into Coal Fight." 2011 December 2014. OPB. Online. 3 June 2016. <http://www.opb.org/news/series/coal-in-the-nw/seattle-billionaire-steps-into-coal-fight/>.
Joyce, Stephanie. "Northwest Coal Export Terminals Could Get Financial Help From State Of Wyoming." 18 December 2014. OPB. Online. 3 June 2016. <http://www.opb.org/news/series/coal-in-the-nw/northwest-coal-export-terminals-could-get-financia/>.
