Section 2: The Environment & Society Standards: SEV4d, SEV4f, SEV5c, SEV5f

 Essay written by Garrett Hardin in 1968  Main idea: Problem with solving env. problems is the conflict btwn short term goals of an individual vs. the long term welfare of society.

 Imagine a “common” area of land for grazing sheep.  It is in the best interest of one INDIVIDUAL farmer to put as many sheep as he can on the common grazing land. That way he can make more money.  HOWEVER, when ALL farmers think this way, too many sheep graze in that area and the area becomes depleted from overgrazing, trampling, etc..

 Someone has to take responsibility for maintaining a resource or it can be overused & depleted.  We now have grazing regulations and hunting & fishing laws to prevent resource depletion.  What are some other “common” areas?

 Supply & Demand ◦ If resource is limited and has greater demand then the higher its cost.

 Costs-Benefit Analysis ◦ Weighing the cost of buying/producing a product vs. the benefit to the environment ◦ EX: Is fracturing the Earth to get remnant oil more beneficial even though there is a cost to the environment and drinking water sources?

 Risk Assessment ◦ Usually done along with cost-benefit analysis ◦ Must determine risk to know if there is a benefit to an environmental action. ◦ Risk assessment depends on who is doing it.  If done by an industry- may see less risk  If done by a citizen group- may see more risk

 Developed countries ◦ higher average incomes ◦ slower population growth ◦ diverse industrial economies ◦ stronger social support systems ◦ EX: US, Western Europe, Japan  Responsible for the “consumption crisis”- use & waste too many natural resources  Use 75% of world’s natural resources BUT only makes up 20% of world’s population. Top World Oil Consumers in 2009

 Developing countries ◦ lower average incomes ◦ simple & agricultural- based economies ◦ rapid population growth ◦ EX: Mexico, Indonesia, countries in Africa  Responsible for “population crisis”- Population grows too fast for current resource level- causes malnutrition, disease, fewer jobs

 China is most populated country- 1.3 billion people  China is on the verge of becoming developed thanks to outsourcing and globalization.  Population crisis + consumption crisis = INCREASED RESOURCE DEPLETION AND POLLUTION  India (population 1.2 billion ) not far behind!

 Shows the productive area of the earth needed to support one person in a particular country.  Here’s Mrs. Davis’ data…

 Sustainability- condition in which human needs are met in such a way that a human population can survive indefinitely.  Requires participation of citizens, industries, & governments