Environment: coupling the international with the local
Article of Ms. Dora Bakoyannis in the “Sunday Vima"
World Environment Day and the G8 Summit have brought the environment back to the fore. Irrespective of individual issues, there are two basic messages: First of all, the climate is changing due to human actions. And secondly, time is not on our side. Both mean that changing things for the better is entirely in our hands.
It is an important and understandable development that the environment has now been established as an item on the G8 agenda. This can be explained partly by the absence of a common approach. Climate change aggravates two atmospheres: that of the planet and that of the meeting. European countries are promoting more binding frameworks on greenhouse gas emissions for the post-Kyoto era. The United States is refraining from commitments, proposing an extended and long-term dialogue. The second reason is that the aspect of the environment is incorporated into all G8 topics: development policy, trade, regional security. The environment is a characteristic example of how the international is coupled with the local, and the collective with the individual. A third reason is pressure from the public, who consciously expect more from themselves, their governments and the world’s superpowers.
Technology is the key to the relationship between development and environment
We are faced with the challenge of managing natural resources in a way that will ensure development and quality of life. Development is the objective for the entire world, both for developed and for developing countries. Since we cannot slow down the pace of development, we will have to check its impact on the environment.
One way is by investing in technology. Recent findings refute the argument that the high cost of replacing old technology with new technology will slow down development. The latest example is a study by the British economist Stern, which estimates that the cost of not addressing climate change far exceeds the cost of the necessary measures for cutting greenhouse gas emissions. It is concurrently argued that new technologies will push development further, by promoting innovation and creating jobs.
The European Union’s policy is directed towards developing, and capitalising on, new technologies. The EU has assumed a leading role by clearly setting qualitative and quantitative goals. At the same time, there is the crucial role of countries such as the United States (first in CO2 emissions) and of emerging economies such as China and India (second and fifth respectively). If, in the end, the European Union works as a multinational, economic power, then others can do so as well.
But adjusting industries, means of transport, and households to the new state of affairs does not concern developing countries exclusively. Developing countries, despite the fact that they have contributed less to the problem, are expected to be hit harder by climate change. We must support them. The depletion of water and natural resources and the desertification of regions will more probably affect populations that are already facing shortages in food and healthcare, and are hit by poverty, conflicts, exploitation, and massive immigration flows. One dimension is the risk for human and regional security. The economic impact of climate change due to these countries’ adaptation to the new state of affairs is another dimension.
The absence of a common framework of commitments for the environment at a global level is not a prevarication. It is a deficit. The degradation of the environment knows no borders. Such a strategic framework will serve to reverse the reality of the situation. Greece bears its own burden of responsibility and has its own contribution to make in this whole matter.
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Individual responsibility and effort
These facts in no way reduce the importance of individual responsibility and effort.
Households might have less of an impact than transport and industry, but their role in, for instance, saving energy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions is important. Recycling, the use of public transport, abiding by town planning provisions, respecting our forests and beaches, and fostering an environmental conscience in younger generations is in everyone’s hand.
Today, citizens have the power to shape environmental policies and not just choose among the ones proposed.
The difficult present and the gloomy future are an incentive to put more pressure on ourselves and our governments. It is up to us to turn the impasse into an opportunity and improve our lives.