Thomas asks…
What is the benefit of a local economy if we use all sustainable energy?
I think the benefit of a local economy now is the use of less fossil fuels. If we change over completely to sustainable fuels, would the world or its local communities benefit from local economies, more than if we continue our large scale international trade? Detailed answers appreciated.
The Expert answers:
If we switch from oil-based energy reliance to a local resource like biomass it would bring $ to the US that would have gone to the middle east or elsewhere, boosting the US economy. HOWEVER, the real opportunity is not just sustainable energy but a sustainable society – one where we reduce consumption dramatically and insist on renewable natural resources. One where we embrace abundant living (wind and sun, gardens, music, friends) and minimize economic living (oil, steel, walmart, plastic). If that happens, we won’t even think to ask about “economic impact” as a primary concern. But don’t bet your Prius on it!
Charles asks…
what does the term sustainable world mean?
You must discuss the impact of this environmental issue on a sustainable world and provide a critical analysis of the current issue.
Can someone please explain to me what is meant by “sustainable world”?
What are the characteristics associated with the concept of a sustainable world?
The Expert answers:
Sustainability requires humans to learn to live within our means. Major factors, such as human population size, biosphere robustness, resource stock, food supply, and environmental quality must remain in balance, on a global scale. This state of balance must last long enough so that it will not be merely a blip on the curve of unsustainable growth (Zen, 2000a). Even though we might not really attain that balance, we must move in that direction if humanity and the ecosystem are to survive.
Because the Earth is a closed system, a sustainable world is not compatible with “sustainable growth” (Palmer, 2000b). A closed system might conceivably accommodate “sustainable development,” a term popularized by the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987; the “Brundtland Commission”), but how that could be done is not obvious (see, however, Daly and Cobb, 1994, Appendix). Another way to look at the issue is to consider the idea of a transition towards sustainability (Board on Sustainable Development, 1999), which, however, needs a complementary discussion of the destination, or end-state, of that transition.
Most of us probably accept the proposition that everyone should have access to fair shares of food, water, shelter, and health care. Surely we want to sustain a healthy environment and a robust ecosystem. Certainly we want to promote equity among societies, to reduce disparity between the rich and the poor, to protect human dignity, and to minimize state terrorism. While moving toward that goal, we need to protect the capability of future societies to make real choices for themselves, whatever their social organization or cultural and religious affinity. If these goals seem incompatible with steady growth of population and our present rates of material consumption, then we need to do some careful soul-searching about our national obsession for ever-increasing economic throughput.
Sandy asks…
What are the best indicators of a sustainable economic policy?
This is specifically in regards to Dubai, U.A.E. and its promotion of free economic zones. How do these zones contribute toward a sustainable economic policy.
I need to find some variables to use in my tests. I was thinking of looking at GDP/cap, Foreign Direct Investment Rates, and some way of examining technology spillover effects.
The Expert answers:
Are you looking for theoretical variables? Like, some kind of math model like what gamblers use to try and beat the system at a casino?
The only truly sustainable economic policy is to have a currency that is as perfectly stable as possible and can not be inflated by any means whatsoever — especially by government intervention.
Anything else (political-economic policy) is just an attempt to “juggle” the system around, and hope you can “cash in” before you “crap out”. The better you juggle, the more you cash in! (Steal from those who actually produce something).
The best indicator would be the gold price trend of the currency used by the economy in question.
Linda asks…
How make the overexploited fisheries to become sustainable fisheries OR to remain unsustainable ?
How make the overexploited fisheries to become sustainable fisheries OR to remain unsustainable ?
The Expert answers:
International action, we have very strict laws in Australia, however many countries have little to no regulation.
We have many foreign boats enter our waters and fish illegally for protected species and in protected areas.
Fish Migrate and Like everything if the world is not on board then that makes it hard.
Http://www.bz9.com/g1
George asks…
What is more important to reduce our energy expenditures or to switch to sustainable technologies?
It seems most American’s don’t really want to cut back on their lifestyle to cut energy usage but may be open to using more efficient technology and or sustainable energies.
America expends an exponential amount more of energy than any other nation in the world industrial or developing. It seems America’s problem is not just the technology it choses to use but more so a moral dilemma.
I’m curious what other people who already acknowledge the reality of global warming think. A green dime for your thoughts.
The Expert answers:
Hmmm for the moment being is better to reduce energy expenditure, because sustainable technologies are not largely available and are very expensive. When technologies are made on a large scale then we should switch to sustainable technologies.
One way to reduce expenditures is for the government to build good i mean very good public transportation to reduce the amount of cars running. Like in Japan for example due to the density of the people living down there, people opt to use mass transportation. It saves them a looooot of money, they always get on time and the waiting lines are very short.
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