We live in a fast developing world where new technologies are born almost every day. This development costs society a fortune because it usually takes from natural resources. Constant emission of CO2, decreasing of the quantity of different minerals and energy sources and other negative consequences are side effects of modern capitalism system. Fortunately, the circle of actors concerned about our environment has widened. These days it has become an issue for different companies and even government. Is there is a way out and how can ecological modernization approach help? In this paper I will analyze how this theory works and can be implemented in real life situations.
Ecological modernization theory is considered to be a modern approach which helps to control and reduce negative influence of modern production on the environment. It is regarded as a tool for better conceptualization what are potential environmental improvements which could be made . This theory does not require complete shutdown of production process, which is a positive side for the capitalism and world economy. However, the efficacy of this approach is questionable. In my opinion, there is no chance to reduce negative effects of production process by letting the industry self-regulate. This is why this framework of governmental control is necessary. I believe that by introducing system of laws for decreasing negative emissions we will not only help the environment, but also change the structure of the company and develop it.
The Treadmill of production suggests another approach for changes. The economy should remain the foundation of production process because our world is in a state of constant development and are obliged to be in step with the times. One of the possible solutions here is that by speeding up the Treadmill people will create technologies which will be able to maintain different environmental issues themselves . In my opinion, this option is unsustainable because there is no guarantee that further development of industries will not cause even more damage. The Treadmill is claiming to help society because it gives more working places and corresponds to market demands . On the other hand, it can be temporary solution because when the level of pollution is already causing different health problems. In some years they will progress and this will require more investments than preventive methods. .
Ecological modernists are blamed for the uncertainty and not full commitment to the process . It is true that in many cases decisions about improvements are left as a paper work. For example, analyzing the article published by The Guardian, it can be seen that unfortunately our government is not showing concrete results. In the global scope ecological modernization looks simple and promising. It forms more positive vision as the Treadmill. In fact, the quantity of environmental goals is growing, but the problems of pollution, resource waste and the global warming are continuing to expand. It means that the system does not have a proper strategy for action. Unfortunately, there are also issues considering governmental behavior as well. In order to make this approach work we need to build honest and clear communication between political structures, economy sector and our society.
In a close-up look there are problems on different levels. First of all, if the main accent is made on governmental actions, than politicians should be concerned about these issues. Otherwise, there is no point in the framework of control when there is no control at all. Secondly, I agree that a very little percent of signed agreements did show some results. On the other hand, the recovery of environmental system is a long-term process, so there is a little chance to have impressive results from the very beginning. What I believe, is that even though ecological modernization plans and projects seem blurry, it is because they need properly constructed strategy and time.
In conclusion, while opponents are having argues about the efficiency of both approaches, we are losing our time. Ecological modernization looks more convenient to me because it is not as radical as the Treadmill of production. The third possible option is that if neither ecological modernization nor The Treadmill theories are working, we need to find out a new solution. There will always be the necessity to take responsibility, however I regard this as the only chance to solve these problems.
References
Buttel, F.H. Ecological modernisation as a social theory. 2000. http://ic.ucsc.edu/~rlipsch/EE80S/Buttel.pdf (accessed February 17, 2016).
Schnaiberg, A., Pellow, D.N., Weinberg, A.,. The Treadmill of Production and the Environmental State. April 4, 2000. http://www.ipr.northwestern.edu/publications/papers/urban-policy-and-community-development/docs/schnaiberg/treadmill-of-production.pdf (accessed February 17, 2016).
Vidal, J. "Many treaties to save the earth, but where's the will to implement them?" The Guardian. June 7, 2012. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2012/jun/07/earth-treaties-environmental-agreements (accessed February 17, 2016).
