In a interconnected political, cultural, business, economic world it is difficult not to include environmental concerns that ultimately have a great impact globally with greater consequences then any other modern problem.
Due to the ever growing population around the world and the decrease in natural resources the governments are faced with a problem that must be solved immediately in order to avoid graver consequences.(Susskind,L.E.1994).
It has been estimated that every year a total of" 22 million acres of forest are lost world wide".(www.state.gov/g/oes/env)
In order to tackle this serious problem all the countries must take active part in the protection of the environment and must create and respect laws about the management of natural resources world wide.(www.state.gov/g/oes/env/).
Trade is an aspect of the economy that many times is over exploiting the natural resources in all areas, there fore it creates a conflict of interests in correlation with the environment.
The ever interconnected world of business and trade, the huge progress that has been made in the new and traditional technologies are all a major influence on the environment.
The year of 1989 has marked the beginning and the recognition of the environmental problems when it has been brought to an official level in the conference in Rio. However, the issues addressed then have been many, unfortunately only two treaties have been sign: a convention on climate change and a convention on biological diversity. (Susskind,L.E.1994).
The creation of armament, nuclear weapons, the leading of wars have all great consequences on the environment.("www.envirosecurity.org/ges/inventory").
Economy explains the concept that is behind the scarcity and its resources and how this can create divergences among countries, limitations of products, inequalities that in our modern age when the population has increased considerably is very difficult to avoid. There fore governments, NGO's and private representatives must reach a mutual understanding to provide and to promote the safe use of the environment.(www.state.gov/g/oes/env/").
Trade has an impact on every aspect and mostly on the environment. There is a contradiction that is created by the concept of trade and environment, it is very difficult to find a middle line that can marry the two, for economy must disregard many aspects that ultimately affects the environment.(/www.envirosecurity.org).
You clearly set out the tensions between trade and the environment, but, given the nature of this module, I should have liked much more on the diplomatic dimension of these issues. You tend to approach them in general terms and set out the need for action, rather than exploring the diplomatic action which has taken place.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few errors. For example, the Rio Earth Summit was in 1992, not 1989; and there have been more than two environmental agreements.
Like Steve said, the diplomatic dimension would have given your piece a deeperinsight like what the G20 thinks about enviromental degradation and what measures has been put in place to tackle enviromental issues by richer nations instead of pointing fingers at poorer developing nations.
ReplyDeleteTrade has an impact on environment, but it also creates wealth for states.
ReplyDeleteTrade and diplomacy are interrelated. Most of the embassies around the world (from any state) are, most of the time, dealing with trade negotiations. Moreover, they are always trying to attract investments to their countries and to negotiate contracts with other governments.