6.2.7 Sustainable Economic Development
Completion requirements
6.2.7 Sustainable Economic Development
© Photo courtesy Dave Patten
"Hundreds of Ducks Die in Oilsands Tailings Pond"
Read the headlines in Alberta newspapers in April 2008.Dozens of ducks on their migration route descended to land on a tailings pond belonging to Syncrude Canada Ltd at Ft. McMurray. Toxic tailings ponds containing clay, sand, water, and hydrocarbons are a byproduct of extraction of oil
from the oilsands.
Although government regulations require the ponds to have measures to keep migrating waterfowl from landing, these devices were not in working order, leading to the deaths of the ducks.
Environmentalists were outraged by this catastrophe, and the disaster illustrates negative effects that may result from economic liberalism.
Although government regulations require the ponds to have measures to keep migrating waterfowl from landing, these devices were not in working order, leading to the deaths of the ducks.
Environmentalists were outraged by this catastrophe, and the disaster illustrates negative effects that may result from economic liberalism.
Quotation from Chief Seattle
Liberalism is based on a belief that owning private property and working in self-interest are good. Liberal economic policies call for economic freedom and little regulation for industry. Unlimited freedom to consume goods coupled with limited regulations on industry may lead to occurrences such as the tailings pond disaster.
Other examples of environmental destruction surround us. Can humankind's impact on the environment be ignored if we want the planet to survive and sustain future generations of life-including ducks and humans?
The quotation on the poster by First Nations leader Chief Seattle provides an Aboriginal perspective on the environment. It reflects the idea that all of life is interconnected. Environmental degradation affects everyone.
- Is it surprising that consumerism is a necessary outcome of liberalism?
- Must consumerism lead to environmental destruction?
- Or can the freedoms of liberalism ensure the will of the people in regard to the environment is considered?
Consumerism leads to an increasing demand for new and better products. It leads to a society that values economic growth. Worldwide, economic growth has had a profound effect on the environment. Syncrude Canada produces oil in response to a global demand by consumers. How much are they to blame for the destruction of the environment when they are creating a product that is in demand-at the lowest possible cost-by people around the world?
Many citizens have demanded that the environment be protected through government regulation.
Read "Environmental Change and Activism" on pages 419 to 426 of your text Perspectives on Ideology.
As you read, take notes on the following:
- What is the impact of economic growth on the environment?
- How does the Canadian government's response to environmental concerns reflect modern liberalism?
- To what extent do the policies of the Alberta government reflect the desire to balance economic freedom with sustainable development?
Watch any of the following movies:
- An Inconvenient Truth
- The End of Suburbia
- Food, Inc.
- Flow: For Love of Water