Lillian Liem 6S 26
Date:
Discuss on the dilemma between
urbanization, industrialization and conservation. What are some local examples
which illustrate the conflicting interests between economics development and
the conservation of the environment.
Urbanization and
industrialization exert pressures on the environment. The
loss of trees shrubs, and other natural vegetation results in the destruction
of habitats for wildlife. These also results in soil erosion and
extinction of some native species. The conversion of farmlands into urban areas
results in the reduction of food production. The rapid migration of people from
rural areas to urban areas results in an increasing consumption of resources,
such as fresh water and fossil fuels. Roads and buildings do not absorb rain
water as vegetation does, leading to flooding and landslide problems. Also, The production of pollutants from industries, vehicles and
burning of fossil fuels in power stations and incineration of solid wastes
cause serious air pollution, leading to acid rain and global warming.
Although there are
undesirable environmental effects associated with urban and industrial
development, the building up of a local infrastructure may help to improve the
environment. Urban areas have significantly lower birth rates than rural areas,
thereby reducing environmental pressures from population growth. They provide
better opportunities to educate and mobilize residents concerning environmental
issues. The capital spent by the government in environmental protection is more
intensive and effective in urban area then in rural areas. Besides, urban areas
tend to grow upwards rather than outwards, i.e. a more effective land use is
possible.
Conservation can be
broadly described as the wise management of our environment involves the
protection of natural habitats, maintenance of the diversity of organisms,
effective use of natural resources and control of pollution Recycling is an
important aspect in conservation. The major problem faced in recycling industry
is the high costs involved in collection and separation of waste materials. Also,
The public awareness of the important of environmental
protection is still relatively low. The promotion of reduction in waste
production is insufficient. Small flat sizes in
The economic growth of
a country or region is often reflected by increasing rates of consumption of
natural resources. Excessive clear of forests, grasslands, wetlands can lead
flooding, (for urban urban and industrial purposes.) Also, the increased rate
of release of pollutants from motor vehicles, power stations, industrial plants
and incinerators cause serious pollution.
Some people may have
the idea that the capacity for economics development is unlimited, because of
the vast amount of resources on the Earth, and the ability of humans to overcome
resource shortages and environmental problems through science and technology. In
other words, they think that unlimited economics growth is sustainable.
However, most environmentalists and a growing number of economists and business
leaders believe that unlimited economic growth is not sustainable. They think
that as rapid economic development goes on, more and
more natural habitats will be depleted. These will ultimately limit or even
inhibit economic development. In other words, economic development should rely
on the sustainable use of natural resources and protection of the environment.
Possible solutions to the conflicts between economic development and
conservation include compromise between conflicting parties in such a way that
economics development progresses with minimum damages to the natural
environment and diverting economic development to the improvement of
environmental quality.