Economic growth and environmental degradation cannot be separated. According to the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987), the world has experienced decreased infant mortality, high literacy rates, elevated food production and several other positive development outcomes in the past few decades. However the same processes that led to these outcomes have also resulted in environmental changes that Mother Nature can no longer bear (Diamond 2003; WCED, 1987). Fast economic growth and development in the recent past has led to deforestation, increased pollution (water, soil, and air), soil erosion and desertification. The effect of global warming and a depleting ozone layer are being felt today more than ever. The combination of an increased population, rapid resource consumption, and waste production has pushed the environment into a dangerous decline. Scientists have connected the increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and other such catastrophes to global warming (Gore, 2011). There is an urgent need for a healthy environment for the survival of the planet and its species. Despite the bleak situation, the human race can make sustainable development without compromising the survival and prosperity of future generations. Both technological advances and alternative energy can be used to propel economic gains while conserving the environment. I believe that there is hope for the planet and its species; we are not doomed.
Sustainable development calls for a change in attitudes and lifestyles. Although it will not happen overnight, we can reverse the climatic damage that is already done as well as prevent further damage. Human beings are a strong-willed and smart species capable of changing the world. While we cannot grow complacent to climatic change, we are not helpless or powerless either. We are capable of decelerating the environmental decline by turning this adversity into an inspiration for sustainable solutions. We have a significant say and contribution to make in designing a healthier environment necessary for our survival as well as that of coming generations.
Renewable sources of energy like the geothermal, solar and wind power are sustainable. These alternative energy sources have competitive production costs, are efficient and have the capacity to lessen carbon emissions considerably (Gore, 2011). Even though, storing energy from the sun and wind for use when the source (sun and wind) is absent is expensive, technological advancement offers a viable solution. For instance, Sodoway (a chemistry lecturer) together with the Microsoft Foundation is working on a cheap, durable battery for energy storage (Martin, 2015). Such a battery can raise the competitive edge of wind and solar energy way above fossil fuels.
Despite such advances in technology, some people maintain the argument that new technologies have been contributing to the current environmental crisis, thus, cannot be used to provide a solution. They view technology as an enemy to Mother Nature. However, this stance raises the question that, if scientific data analysis can be used to solve public safety issues and reduce government expenditures (Milgram, 2012), then why is it not possible to collect and analyze relevant data needed to find a solution to sustainable development? The biggest barrier to success in this front is the lukewarm reception that people have towards new technologies. Imagine what would happen in regards to carbon emissions if 50% of the world population switched to solar powered vehicles and gadgets.
Nuclear plants are another source of energy that can produce large amounts of reliable power with negligible carbon emissions (Myhrvold, 2011). Given the increasing need for reliable, cheap, and clean energy, nuclear energy offers the best solution. The safe production and distribution of nuclear energy would by a large degree eliminate the dilapidating effects of fossil energy consumption on the environment.
Unfortunately, the thought of nuclear energy triggers fear and doubt in many people. Most people perceive nuclear sources of energy as dangerous, despite the fact that the safety record for this electricity source is impeccable (Myhrvold, 2011). Logical consideration of nuclear power generation reveals no reason for fear. However, people tend to be scared than logical when the events of Hiroshima, the Cold War, Chernobyl and Fukushima are remembered (Myhrvold, 2011). Actually, environmental pollution resulting from fossil fuel is much greater compared to the worst case scenario of a nuclear accident.
Evidently, sustainable energy sources are the way to go. The utilization of renewable sources of energy as well as applying technology in the pursuit of sustainable solutions to the environmental dilemma can reverse the current environmental crisis. As such, there is hope for a prosperous future for generations to come on this planet. Victory over climatic change, however, demands committed global participation. There is need for a consensus that climatic degradation is a serious problem that needs equally serious and real solutions that will assist in designing a thriving planet. Every global citizen needs to realize that they have a role to play in environmental conservation. Behavioral and attitude change towards conservation are vital in this fight. It is about time that governments, businesses, innovators and individuals integrated environmental rehabilitation in their business models, agendas, and lifestyle. Is it not our moral obligation to leave this world a better and healthier place for future generations?
References
Diamond, J. (2003). The Last Americans: Environmental Collapse and the End of Civilization. Retrieved from http://www.mindfully.org/Heritage/2003/Civilization-Collapse-EndJun03.htm
Gore, A. (2011, 22 June). Can science and the truth withstand the merchants of poison? Rolling Stone.
Martin, C. (2015, 16 April). The $5 billion Race to Build a Better Battery. Bloomberg Business.
Milgram, A. (2012, 20 June). Moneyballing Criminal Justice. The Atlantic
Myhrvold, N. (2011, 2 Dec). After Fukushima: Now, More Than Ever. The New York Times.
World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987). Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. Retrieved Feb 17, 2016, from http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf
