Second Proposing speech
The change in way of life arisen during the industrial age is responsible for the global ecological problem that our societies are going through. Many factors are implicated and we can mention the main one: using fossil fuels, industrialization, globalization (which implicate transportation all around the world and the consequences that we known), increasing of population...
by VM
Second Opposing speech
As said previously by the first contributors, it is clear that the global environmental problem exists.
But we can have a more optimistic opinion on the matter.
What can we notice today?
We can see a real evolution on the consideration of global environmental problem...
Second Proposing speech
The change in way of life arisen during the industrial age is responsible for the global ecological problem that our societies are going through. Many factors are implicated and we can mention the main one: using fossil fuels, industrialization, globalization (which implicate transportation all around the world and the consequences that we known), increasing of population.
It is quiet comfortable to think that if progress is the cause of the situation it could be also the solution. Those who subscribe to this idea seems to think that we could solve the problem by using new technologies respecting the environment. And they are not totally wrong: changing our actual and polluting technologies by more cleaner would contribute to reduce part of the problem. But it is an illusion to go on to believe in solutions who let us avoid casting doubt on our way of life. It would be just a way to circle the problem without treating the cause. In my view, it does not take into account the fact that the heart of the matter is not technology (or industries…), which generate that pollution but our way of consumption and more generally the way to consider our planet.
For ages, we have believed in a kind of optimistic faith by thinking that we could resolve our problem with technology. Today it is not significant that is the case. If we consider our world, it is sometimes right, sometimes wrong. Concerning our topic, we find plenty of examples where technology contributes in reducing our impact on the planet and plenty of examples where it contributes in increasing the impact. And it is maybe a clue showing that technology itself is not a solution but rather the way we use it. It is a temptation to hide the truth by trusting completely in technology. But we cannot put our responsibility aside. To resolve the problem we are confronted with the necessity of making a choice: continue to wait for a hope coming from science OR accept our part in this problem and try to change our way of life.
Is it a way to reduce the role of technology in this approach? Not at all. Like we were saying before, technology has a role to play in helping us to reach this goal. And even an important role. Nevertheless, I just want to emphasise the necessity of a strong will from the man and the non-conditional step to assume our part. If we could, I hope, find a solution for the world and its limited resources, it would implicate effort and renunciation.
by VM
Second Opposing speech
As said previously by the first contributors, it is clear that the global environmental problem exists.
But we can have a more optimistic opinion on the matter.
What can we notice today?
We can see a real evolution on the consideration of global environmental problem.
From 2000 to 2010, we observe a significant increase about the number of initiatives for environmental protection (Johannesburg, 2002 ; Cartagena, 2003 ; Kyoto, 2005 ; Copenhagen, 2009). Another interesting point can be analyzed, the number of “environmental days”: United Nations Organization created numerous “World day” in order to make people aware of environmental risks (the first significant “World day” : 22nd of April, World Earth Day celebrated the first time in 1970 ; 5th of June, World Environment Day ; 8th of June, World Oceans Day ; 8th of December, World Climate Day…)
Although some of these initiatives are unsuccessful, efforts are clearly increasing, and motivation is very high. It is a sign of good will from people and States.
It is true that politicians in developed countries are trying to establish rules. But it is also crucial that these rules are negotiated in order to be fully respected.
It is exactly the problem that "TM" mentioned earlier concerning developing countries. It is evident that these countries want to maintain their economic growth.
Let's talk about the iconic status of a country that press likes: the current situation of China.
Today China is in its greatest period of industrialization and uses lots of resources. But many politicians and most of press don't speak enough about significant efforts from China to use progressively renewable energy sources including high technology methods.
Efforts are also being made to produce better taking account of recent scientific discoveries.
China and developing countries in same context have different interests compared to Western countries. A strong consensus should be established and long-term decisions must be drawn in agreement with most countries.
Of course, technology is not the unique solution. But it is a part of THE solution. Technology can be a “fix” if states, companies and people are visibly involved.
These recent years, we see a growing interest by consumers for the climate issue. They are increasingly attentive to environmental efforts made by companies. They are more likely to choose their products based on this commitment.
In addition, some States are particularly sensitive to environmental compliance by firms.
Thus, companies must listen to customers' requests and respect rules from State organizations.
Among the solutions available to them, firms are likely to opt for technological solutions.
Regarding the technologies themselves in their use against the environmental problem, they have a real place.
Although technologies solutions can be expensive, they often permit to save time and obtain meaningful and encouraging results.
As said DB, many ambitious projects are being evaluated in order to solve radically the problem.
But we should absolutely keep in mind the necessity to implicate all actors and to pursue the discussion. Negotiation is crucial to red Negotiation is crucial to reduce current ecological problems.
We understand that technology could fix the global ecologic problem with significant involvement from people, states, and companies.
by MIR
No comments:
Post a Comment