The Environment and Society
Essential Question What factors influence environmental decision making?
The Tragedy of the Commons Ecologist Garrett Hardin 1968
The Tragedy of the Commons If resources are available to everyone, people take as much as they can When individuals are allotted a certain amount of resources, they take care of them. Long term good of society vs. short term benefit of individuals Are we selfish? Can we legislate temperance and conscience?
Economics All things boil down to $$ Supply and Demand – The greater the demand of more limited the supply, the higher the value. Peak Oil: Three Choices Pay More Use Less Find Alternatives
Economics Cost Benefit – A comparison between how much something will cost vs. what benefits will be gained from it. Risk Assessment: What are the risks of taking action? What are the risks of doing nothing?
Wealth and resources are not evenly distributed Developed countries : Higher incomes Slower population growth Strong economies (industry) Social programs Developing countries: Lower incomes Faster population growth Weak economies (agriculture) No social support
Developed vs. Developing Gross Domestic Product Liechtenstein: $118,000 United States (10): $47,000 Zimbabwe: $200 Source: CIA World Fact Book
Developed vs. Developing Life Expectancy Macau: 84 United States (50): 78 Swaziland: 31 Source: CIA World Fact Book
Developed vs. Developing Literacy Cuba: 99.8% United States (17): 99% Burkina Faso: 23% Source: CIA World Fact Book
Consumption Developed countries use 75% of resources with 20% of population
Sustainability The condition in which human needs are met in such a way that a human population can survive indefinitely. Humans adapt to changes Things are different from past generations Technology Society The next century is crucial