The Climate Change Problem - Coursework Example

Environmental economics essay Introduction The debate on climate change continues to elicit critical thinking from different quarters all over the world. World leaders of both rich and poor countries are involved in various advocacy forums that commit their nations to formulate strategies that take care of various environmental concerns within their boundaries and internationally. Although this has brought about some relieve in relation to the whole issue of environmental degradation, it has only been a step to the right direction and the overall goal, is quite far from being achieved. Challenges such s emerging technological advances contribute to the hindrance of the achievement of these objectives just as policy formulation and implementation does (Beeton et al, 2006). There is thus a set of challenges, some of which are avoidable and could be easy to deal with while others need time, resources and commitment to deal with. There has been mistaken belief that the overall climate disturbance is a result of steam engine brought forth by Industrialism and carbon-intensive economic platforms. While there is a fair share of contribution by these platforms, a myriad of contributors to changes in the ecosystem do exists. In looking at the steps taken and the challenges that have been realized, this study will engage some polices developed by the Federal Government of Australia to find out how effective they have been and whether they have helped or contributed in environmental concerns by any means. The Climate Change Problem The issue of climate change assumes a different angle on international platform especially given that all nations typically share the same atmosphere. Since the globe is comprised of individual states, there is the possibility of changing its composition to be in line these states. It has been argued that economically, the ecosystem can be looked into as a common resource which has consistently suffered as a free dumping ground where all nations contribute in its degradation(Eady, Grundy, Battaglia & Keating, 2009). Apparently, most of the misdeeds done to the environment are a result of conscious actions taken by individuals who more or less ignore the substantial contribution of their actions. The problem thus, it is argued, can primarily be addressed through international pacts. The emergence of this problem as an international issue has resulted in international agreements that tend to give guidance to how the issue should be addressed. There is no one single definition that befits climate change but it can be looked into as the overall alteration of the normal functionality of various atmosphere components that results from natural and human activities. Perhaps the single most popular characteristic that can be attributed to climate change is global warming. Researchers continue to underscore that our world is experiencing higher temperatures more than ever before as a consequence of the damage done to the protective atmospheric layer known as the O- zone(Howden et al 2003). Australia’s climate has changed so drastically that the Australian mean annual temperature has increased since 1910 and more so since the mid-20th century. Further, climatic weather patterns have changed unpredictably in virtually all parts of the world. In today’s environment, seasons are experienced in either extreme harshness or extraordinarily low than normal. For instance, some places record excessively high temperatures during summer far from what was recorded about thirty years ago while others places experience extremely low temperatures during winter. Rain patterns too have also changed where flood situations as well as reduced rainfall amounts in places that used to record high amounts of rainfall have seen a consequential drop. Climate change assumes various phenomena in different regions all over the world. The contributors of climate change problems in the developed countries may differ significantly from those in the developing nations. It is noted, for instance, that in the developed nations industrial waste such as carbon dioxide (CO2) has over the years been the greatest challenge to deal with since the emission of these industrial waste has not been adequately dealt with(Cline,1992). On the other hand, waste disposal in form of plastic material, excessive deforestation and mere disregard to the environment issues result to problems that overwhelm developing economies in a challenging way. The graph below shows the estimated emissions in Australia between in the period between 1990 and 2020. Source; Total Environment Centre The above predications depict a gloomy picture if appropriate measure are not put in place to reduce the effects of climate change by at least 60 % over the next 40 years. Scientists argue that in looking at the polices formulated by various nations to deal with climate change problems, it must be understood that there would be a variance in the substance of these polices since these problems, although universal in nature, have characteristics that can only be attributed to individual countries (Garnaut, 2008). Climatic change problems affect the environment in a wholistic way. This is to say that while some nations are grappling with climate changes that alter the aquatic lifestyles of their ecosystems, others are challenged by the dangers posed by use of nuclear energies. One situation that presents a sort of dilemma to the whole discussion of climate change problem is the observation that most of the factors that contribute to environmental; degradation also contribute to the development of human life. In other words, the same activities that continue to bother human kind in relation to ecosystem degradation form an essential part of improving life. Nuclear power, for instance is seen as a realistic solution that would greatly substitute the use of fossil fuels. However, the resultant eminent dangers of uncontrolled and careless handling of nuclear energy can only be termed as overly detrimental to human survival. The problem may be termed as one that man may take time to solve but one that can be tackled to some extent Federal Government’s planned policy response to climate change. The Australian government has underlined its commitment to reduce the effects of the emissions released to the atmosphere especially with the introduction of Clean Energy Legislative Package. This policy outlines of the clean energy future strategy that seeks to commit industries to contribute in one way or the other in the reduction of emissions to the atmosphere. The government has dedicated upto $1 billion that are to be given as grants to support Clean Technology Investment Programs. This move, it is argued is aimed at helping Australian manufacturers reduce their energy bills. Economically, this means that the companies can use their profits to other uses such as expansion plans as well as chip in to support these climate change efforts. This program further incorporates more than $23 million that will be used in installation of energy efficient equipment. The Clean Technology Investment Program and the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Programs are also geared towards ensuring support for energy saving and low pollution projects (Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council ,2010). Projects such as innovative refrigeration system, voltage regulators, more efficient air conditioning, and new packaging processes are being encouraged. Under these strategies, businesses are expected to become more efficient, more competitive and more sustainable. There Is inclusivity in the manufacturers range who are to be incorporated into this plan since they are drawn from a specialized engineering firms, manufacturer of aluminum cans as well as wine makers and producers of fresh juices. The program expected to support around 3000 projects will no doubt go a long way in developing sustainable climate change solutions and adjustments. The plan highlights what each facet of the economic structure needs to do in participating in the process of saving the environment. There is an expected tax cut on all working Australians which will be up to $300 per individual. The tax cuts will be used in reducing the projected carbon price in the next one decade. From household to industrial issues, the policy tries to bring forth solutions that may go a long way in reducing the effects of climate change as it outlines the participation of Australians of all walks of life .These legislative clauses include :Household assistance programs for students, pensioners, self funded retirees, low income households and so on. Initiatives such as the National Green House Accounts, which is aimed at collecting data in response to the Australia progress and target in the Kyoto Protocol, may be seen as advanced plans responding to the adverse effects of climate change. There are also other efforts such as the Renewable Energy Target scheme introduced in 2009 which aims at obtaining 20% of Australia’s electricity from renewable sources by around 2020.These plans thus puts the government alert to the economic demands that must be put in place in order to achieve these objectives. There is no doubt that most of them will be fund intensive and will require skilled labor and technology in implementing thus highlighting the need to be economically prepared for their implementation. Further, looking at initiatives such as the Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund that is primarily aimed at enhancing the indigenous farmers and residents on the importance of carbon farming initiative, it may understood that the governments plan is o ensure that there is participation of persons from each cluster. This will increase the level of knowledge ad awareness among citizens on the importance of proper environmental care. Economically, this is expected to translate to proper use of resources which will in return ensure profitable,, sustainable and perhaps long term gain .Generally, the federal government may be seen to have put in place plans that may have a positive impact and that will contribute positively to the overall global climatic change problem. Climatic Change and Economic reasons. Just like other parts of the world, Australia’s society and economy are experiencing the effects of climate change. Some scholars argue that Australia is fortunate in that it is better placed to adapt to climate change than many other countries. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that the is need to be complacency in handling the climate change problem. The climate change situation has brought forth economic implications both nationally and internationally. To start with, we may look at the need for human participation in various economic activities. The manufacturing industry in almost all parts of the world forma significant part of the total contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Regardless of the segment of manufacturing that one may seek to investigate, it is agreeable that a good percentage of the manufacturing sector is involved in some form of emission to the ecosystem (Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2008). The importance to generate some income from industrialization turns around to affect the ecosystem when the waste products and other controllable emissions that come from these industries are not taken care of .In Australia industries range from textile to vehicle manufacture and food processing. The basic point that underlies all these industries is that by the time the end product goes into the market, there has been some of form of pollutant emission either in form of gas or solid waste. Although efforts have been made to guide the process of controlling these wastes, it is becoming more evident that a lot more needs to be done so that activities that are expected top contribute to the overall economic growth do not turn around to be detrimental to the survival of the ecosystem. Other activities such as Land clearing and breeding of new plants and animals in addition to other landscape modifications have caused extinctions and changed ecosystems. From a different perspective, these economic activities are all geared towards enhancing human existence yet they threaten his very existence by polluting the ecosystem Another economic factor that may be seen to contribute to climate change is the policy making process. Economic activities all take place under some guidance or framework. In the formulation of the rule and regulations that govern various economic spheres, the issue of how to handle any environmental consequence that results from these activities is often left out. Until recently, there has not been clear polices that show how best to undertake various economic activities in a manner that little harm is done to the ecosystem. Polices determine what needs to be done in particular times as well as provides guidance on how to tackled challenges that emaciate from engaging in these economic activities. Achieving of various economic targets is often tied to strict deadlines that must be observed. The speedy implementation of projects in most cases leaves out the important role played by the ecosystem and the environment in which they must be undertaken. Observably, Australia‘s biodiversity has greatly dropped and this decline may be partially attributed to a failure to correct the existing public policy for appropriate market processes. From an economic point of view, mechanisms such as carbon price may be more accurately looked into as a reflection of the costs to society of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, an economic value is attached to every sort of emission into the environment. It has been suggested that correct the negative extremes that are related to greenhouse gas emissions is by adopting a carbon price policy. This may be inform of incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through projects such as biosequestration. The relationship of these processes to the economic value are nonetheless challenged by factors such as the fact that carbon price does not directly correct the failure to value biodiversity, thus the continued reliance on carbon causes may be seen as a cause of constraints to the economy while the economic attachment to carbon products ensure their continued use. Policy Instruments that can be used to overcome the Climate Change. As established, there is no single approach that can be used to overcome the challenges of climate change. It is a policy that needs close involvement of various stakeholders in order to record some level of success. One of the most significant processes that may be undertaken to ensure the success of climate change counter initiatives is to include engage industry players in the process. This will include holding objective interactions where they would be asked to formulate their own ways in which they would feel comfortable engaging in as they go about their business. For instance, players in the textile u\industry would be required to explore the possibility of manufacturing eco-friendly garments. Food processors may be requires to engage fruit farmers in educative forums that focus on the ecosystem. Such policy might be consequential in the process of correcting climate change effects (Australian State of the Environment Committee, 2001). The government further needs to engage the public in deliberate participation to come up with solutions to the ecosystem challenge. This may be dome through educating the public on various ecosystem effects. In most cases, the public will need through education on these matters. The government and other stakeholders come in at this point since they are expects to provide experts who offer this information to the public in the right way. More so, efforts must be made to avail information especially to the general public on the effects of global warming and climate change at large. Although there has been increased knowledge on this subject, it cannot be said that there is extremely high level of awareness on the same. To create this awareness, the public needs to access relevant and updated information on this subject sin order to assist in the process of making individual; decisions as to what activities to participate in that would contribute to economically or otherwise saving the ecosystem. Recommendations To a large extent, it may be said that the Federal governments plan are step to the right direction. In fact, they are expected to yield results in the long run. One factor that makes them workable is the fact that they are time bound. For instance, there is there is the mention of reducing the the use on non renewable energies and increasing the use of renewable sources of energy by 2020.This timeframe will enhance the allocation of resources as well as a continuous review of the progress made with time. The polices have further been segmented in various categories most of which have been dedicate to a substantive implementation body. This step will ensure that there is responsibility in regard to the response required for the attainment of these objectives. This further ensures that the bodies charged with these responsibilities are answerable to some extent. It also encourages the participation of experts in the various fields that these guidelines affect. It is only by including knowledgeable and skilled personnel that results can be achieved as a far as correction of the negative effects of climate change are concern Conclusion Ideally, the fight against global warming may be requires a universal approach. Despite the efforts being made by individual governments, some areas have recorded little or no positive correction of the effects of climate change. This underlines the fact that economic challenges that continue to hamper the realization of the targets made by governments to counter climate change must be received consistently. Issues such as technological advancement have not been adequately factored in since much effort and economic resources have been given to the innovation of technological advancement where there are less policies that counter the challenges they bring forward. The federal government’s plans have nevertheless highlighted major aspects of climate change phases that need urgent attention. It is the collective responsibility of governments and individuals to work towards attaining sustainable climate conditions. It has been demonstrated in this study that factors that largely contribute to the degradation of the ecosystem are human motivated and this means that the formulation of methods to handle climate change must be undertaken whether from an economic perspective or not. It must also be realized that the economic gains of virtually all nations have some relationship to the ecosystem of these nations and therefore the need to take care of the environment must not be approached from the realization that it poses great danger to human existence but because of its economic implications as well. References Australian State of the Environment Committee 2001, Australia State of the Environment 2001, Independent report to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage, CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Beeton, R.J.S., Buckley, K.I., Jones, G.J., Morgan, D., Reichelt, R.E. & Trewin, D. 2006, Australia State of the Environment , Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Cline, W. 1992, The Economics of Global Warming, Institute For International Economics, Washington DSE (Department of Sustainability and Environment) 2008, BushTender: Rethinking investment for native vegetation outcomes. The application of auctions for securing private land management agreements, Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. Eady, S., Grundy, M., Battaglia, M., & Keating, B. (eds) 2009, An analysis of greenhouse gas mitigation and carbon sequestration opportunities from rural land use, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland. Garnaut, R., 2008, The Garnaut Climate Change Review: Final Report, Cambridge, Melbourne Howden, M., Hughes, L., Dunlop, M., Zethoven, I., Hilbert, D. & Chilcott, C. 2003, Climate Change Impacts on Biodiversity in Australia, outcomes of a workshop sponsored by the Biological Diversity Advisory Committee, 1–2 October 2002, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council 2010, Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2030, Australian Government, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005, Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Biodiversity Synthesis. World Resources Institute, Washington, DC. Read More