Environmental Degradation and Capitalist Growth and Consumption

Environmental degradation has become one of the most fundamental issues to dominate the political, economic, and social landscapes in the twenty first century. This is mainly because of the realization that it is increasingly leading to global warming that might have an adverse effect on not only the lives of human beings, but also the sustainability of the planet. Among the issues that have been considered to be the causes of environmental degradation are capitalist growth and consumption. Capitalist growth and consumption is blamed for the rapid development of industries which, while satisfying the massive demand for diverse products, has also contributed significantly to the greenhouse gas emissions which are currently plaguing the planet through global warming. The mechanisms of capitalism have led to a situation where there has been an increase in environmental degradation to such an extent that it has become a threat to the entire planet.

Capitalist growth and consumption as a result of globalization have led to an increase in environmental degradation all over the planet. This is especially the case where, as a result of the ever-increasing demand for consumer goods, the capitalist economic model has encouraged the rapid exploitation of available natural resources to satisfy the demand. However, there has been a failure in the by capitalist political economy to recognize that the exploitation of natural resources has an adverse effect on the environment within which it is taking place. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, the decades-long extraction of oil has led to a serious degradation of the environment to such an extent that species that were once prominent in the area are slowly but surely dying out. The large amounts of toxic chemicals released into the local environment as a result of unsafe ways of extracting oil has led to a situation where it has become highly unsustainable for both people and the various species that live within it (Center for Economic and Social Rights 1994, 82). However, despite the negative effects of oil extraction, there have been plans to increase oil production to such an extent that the possible ramifications on the environment have been almost completely ignored. The demand for oil in the global economy as well as the need for local governments to ensure that they are able to attain the money needed to balance their budgets means that it is very hard to change the minds of policymakers when it comes to reversing the effects of environmental degradation, especially among developing countries.

In addition, the capitalist system has led to the development of large corporations which, as a result of their activities, have essentially become a part of the economic and environmental problem. This is especially the case where these corporations operate in conflict zones despite the massive damage that their activities bring about (Raleigh 2007, 674). Corporations, as a result of the outrage that has come about because of their involvement in the degradation of the environment, have often sought to ensure that they remain relevant in the public eye through coming up with or adopting such philosophies as corporate social responsibility. However, social responsibility is normally considered to be a mask behind which corporations continue with their activities as usual while claiming to be helping those who are negatively affected by their activities. However, the reality is that there is increasing evidence showing corporations still making a lot of money at the expense of local populations and the environment. The propagation of social responsibility has also allowed corporations, especially in the oil and gas sector, to continue with their operation in conflict areas such as in South Sudan with the claim that their presence is good for the local population (Idahosa 2002, 228). This is normally not the case because it is as a result of their activities that both sides of the conflict end up having the necessary funding to ensure that the wars that they are conducting end up seemingly endless. As a result, local populations suffer and the environment becomes increasingly degraded through the use of diverse weapons, while the corporations, which have the money and power, continue reaping the profits.

Moreover, the capitalist economy has led to a situation where the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere have led to global warming on an unprecedented scale. Global warming has become a serious threat, especially among island nations which are witnessing a rise in sea levels; a threat to their very existence. Islands such as Tuvalu, with small landmasses and being wholly dependent on importation of consumer goods, are at a high risk of not only falling victim to global warming, but might also have to endure serious losses of life as a result of their isolation (Connell 2004, 260). Moreover, human response to disaster in these areas is likely to be slower because the small size of these islands has the effect of not being able to sustain ever increasing human populations. The greenhouse effect has also had a negative effect on agricultural production within these islands because the rising sea levels have led to the salination of a significant amount of valuable fresh water sources (Connell 2004, 262). It has therefore become essential for steps to be taken to ensure that there is greater awareness concerning the effects of capitalist growth on the rest of the world through an accurate study of effect so that it can be possible to reduce the rate of global warming. Such awareness is likely to lead to the creation of greater efficiency in helping island nations achieve environmental sustainability while at the same time be able to promote the retention of local ecosystems.

Capitalist growth and consumption as well as its role in environmental degradation have become a human rights issue. This issue has come about because the rapid industrialization of developed countries has led to a situation where the massive amounts of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere has brought about global warming. Global warming has become a serious problem, especially for the poor, who make up the majority of people in the world, who cannot afford to protect themselves against the rapid changes taking place in their environment (Docherty and Giannini 2009, 350). The promotion of development goals in most developing countries such as India and China in order to achieve developed status has ensured that there is an almost total disregard for the need to protect the environment from degradation. Actions aimed at reducing environmental degradation present a dilemma for policymakers in developing countries because most of them might be considered to infringe on human rights. This is the case where policies implemented might lead to a reduction in the number of commodities that are available for poorer people who rely on cheap manufactured products in order to make ends meet.

In conclusion, the discussion has made an analysis of why the mechanisms of capitalism have led to a situation where there has been an increase in environmental degradation to such an extent that it has become a threat to the entire planet. There has been recognition that capitalist growth and consumption as a result of globalization have led to an increase in environmental degradation all over the planet. In addition, the capitalist system has led to the development of large corporations which, as a result of their activities, have essentially become a part of the economic and environmental problem. Moreover, the capitalist economy has led to a situation where the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere have led to global warming on an unprecedented scale. Finally, an argument stating that capitalist growth and consumption as well as its role in environmental degradation have become a human rights issue has been presented, showing that there has to be a balance between environmental protection and human rights.

Industrial air and water emissions and control measures in Canada

Introduction

Throughout the contemporary world, industries play an important role in bringing about the sustenance of economies. Almost every country in the world has become dependent on industries to sustain themselves to such an extent that they cannot do without them. However, while these industries are useful, they are also harmful to the environment as a result of emissions which have an adverse effect on air and water quality.  In the past decade, many firms produced a significant amount of emissions that adversely affected the environment. The emissions into the atmosphere have an effect on soil, water, power use, and waste management. In many economies, the detrimental effect of emissions on the environment has resulted in legislation being enacted to control the emissions. In Canada, the government has acknowledged the impact of emissions, and has committed itself to reducing the degree of emissions in order to enhance the quality of air and while at the same time improving water quality (Boyd, 2010). The emissions have adversely affected the air and water quality in Canada and as a result, it has aimed at making sure that it promotes sustainable practices. Additionally, ecosystems have been destroyed through acidification when the emissions, especially those containing sulphur, are exposed to the rain or ground water. Environmental pollution has many manifestations and the resultant health risks tend to have an adverse effect on the bodies of those individuals affected (Bell & Davis, 2001). Canada has sought to take tangible steps towards ensuring that there is a high level of control measures aimed at not only reducing emissions, but also bringing about a situation where there is a reduction in public health risks as a result of bad air and water quality.

Reasons for control measures

Canada is one of the countries in the world which has a wide diversity of natural resources that have yet to be exploited. However, it is essential that these resources are used sustainably; meaning that as much as possible has to be done to ensure that during the exploitation process, there is limited destruction of the natural environment. Industrial activities in Canada often have an adverse effect on air and water quality and this is to such an extent that it has led to a significant threat both towards the human, animal, and plant populations. The risk of damaging entire ecosystems through the unsustainable industrial processes has made the implementation of control measures extremely important. Moreover, the health of Canadians is highly dependent on the quality of air and water in their environment to such an extent that without control measures, it is likely that the country might end up getting into a public health crisis in future (El-Fadel & Massoud, 2000). Having absolute control over the monitoring and control processes involved in keeping greenhouse emissions at a minimum are important in not only securing air and water quality, but also bringing about a situation where it is possible to effectively fight global warming and the climate change that comes about as a result. Therefore, the overall wellbeing of Canadians is dependent on putting control measures over industrial emissions into place to ensure that the air and water quality all over the country is improved.

Examples and explanation of air and water pollutants

The main air pollutants are in the form of gaseous pollutants, which include organic compounds, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matters. Particulate matters are exhausts from diesel engines that include the wood smoke, coal ash, pesticide mist, mineral dust, and acid mists. Radioactive pollution is also a form of air pollution that occurs when radioactive isotopes from burning reactors leak into the atmosphere (WHO, 1996). Water emissions from industries occur when toxic chemicals such as fluoride and arsenic leak from industries and end up contaminating underground water (Frost, Tollestrup, Craun, Raucher, Chwirka, & Stomp, 2002). Water is also contaminated directly when wastes from industries find their way into water bodies. All of these pollutants have the potential of bringing about serious health and environmental problems. As a result, there is need for constant awareness concerning the potential problems that these pollutants might bring about while at the same time promoting initiatives for the provision of more information concerning how best to handle their effects when they occur. It is estimated that a significant proportion of diseases in the world today are associated with the effects of pollution hazards in the environment (Smith, Corvalan, & Kjellstrom, 1999). Thus, Canada’s attempts to bring about control measures on air and water emissions is an important step towards the development of sustainable measures aimed at not only maintaining the environment at its best state, but also preventing those diseases that come about as a result of pollution; averting a public health crisis.

Sources of Industrial Emissions

Operations in industries are the major sources of industrial emissions and these can be attributed to the irresponsible actions of industries which seek to make a quick profit at the expense of the environment (McMichael, Kjellstrom & Smith, 2001). The industries that have been found to be the most responsible for the emissions mainly include the energy, transport, building and construction sectors, which, despite the large amounts of emissions they produce, are also essential for the development of the economy. The extensive use of fossil fuels in Canada has also had an impact on air quality. This is because most industries as well as vehicles in the country run on these types of fuels although there are attempts to bring about the use of cleaner energy sources. In line with these, the oil industry, which is depended upon for fossil fuels, is one of the biggest polluters in the country leading to a situation where it has surpassed emissions that were produced by the transport sector. While this may be the case, as a result of its efforts, Canada has been able to ensure that its emission levels remain slightly lower than those of other countries, especially in the developing world and the emerging economies (McGranahan & Murray, 2003). A major setback that has been encountered by Canada in recent years is when in 2007, the Suncor spilled some 9.8 million liters into Athabasca River; a situation that might have brought about significant risks to the human and wildlife living in the area affected. However, despite this incident, Canada has been able to ensure that it takes on action towards the establishment of environmental sustainability.

Even though large amounts of emissions are from the industrial operations, other factors have played key roles in determining the level of emissions in Canada. These factors entail the demographic changes, the physical geography, and economic development. When compared to the other developed economies, the Canada’s climate is very variable; therefore, much energy resources are used for heating and cooling spaces. In regards to demographics, Canada is sparsely populated; therefore, there are long travel periods and the demand for transportation as individuals travel from one region to another is high compared to the densely populated economies (National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, 1999). More so, Canada's economic growth and population growth is greater than other developed economies and the growth demands for more use of natural resources that include gas and oil. Irrespective of the challenges faced by this country, the economy has been de-coupling between reduction in emissions and economic growth. That has called for technologically efficient methods of production and adoption of clean energy rather than over-relying on oil. Technology has also been adopted in all sectors of the economy especially in electricity production in efforts to reduce the greenhouse gasses emissions. The industries are required to be in the forefront of use of efficient applications and thus, lead the household by example. More so, most of the consumers in Canada have knowledge about the consequences of emissions; hence, they have also adopted ways of reducing the emissions such as walking to workplaces.

Effects of emissions on Environment and Human Health

For the most part, the effect of emissions can be categorized into three classes, environmental impacts, economic impacts, and human health effects (Hobbs & Meier, 2000). Environmental effects entail the increase in temperatures that result in the melting of the ice, glaciers, and snow, with the melting results in flooding of the coastal regions due rising in the sea levels.  This is especially the case in the Arctic where the permafrost is likely to thaw, bringing with it potential environmental hazards to which it might be difficult to adjust. In Canada, there is the potential that there will be changes in climatic conditions characterized by increased precipitation in all regions except in the Southern Canada. The increased rainfall will increase the chances of flooding that might lead to some serious disruption in the lives of people affected as well as the economy. Another environmental effect, in this case caused by air pollution which has adverse consequences on the ozone layer, which is increasingly being depleted, will be increased frequency of heat waves; having both direct and indirect effects on the ecosystem. For instance, many species of wildlife will find it hard to adapt to the high temperatures hence suffer from stress. Additionally, massive destruction of the natural environment will also occur; making it extremely difficult for ecosystems which have been established for thousands of years to survive.

One of the most serious effects of climate change is that it might lead to the extinction of those species that are not able to adapt to the new environment; a significant loss to the highly diversified natural environment that can be found in Canada today. Sustaining the natural environment through seeking to control and maintain the air and water quality is an important step towards the achievement of a greater balance between the natural and human environments (Gwilliam, Kojima, & Johnson, 2004). Industrial activity, especially concerning the emission of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and water bodies has the potential of bringing about instability in the natural environment. Threats, not only to wildlife, but also to the human community are also prevalent and these have to be stopped in order to bring about a situation where individuals are concerned about their environment enough to help sustain it. In this way, it becomes possible to avoid those problems associated with destruction of ecosystems as well as medical conditions that reduce the quality of life of those affected by exposure to air and water pollutants.

In regards to human health, the high temperature has the potential of exposing human beings to a significant number of diseases such as stroke and deaths related to dehydration. According to Health Canada (2010), changes in the local weather patterns increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases along with cancer due to exposure to carcinogenic volatile organic compounds. More so, people will be more vulnerable to vector, water, rodent, and food-borne diseases. The populations living in the northern regions are more vulnerable than those living in the southern regions of Canada and children, the elderly and women are most susceptible to problems that might be brought about by climate change. Moreover, greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere can have the potential of leading to instances of mortality as a result of respiratory infections. Air pollution also increases the risk of having an adverse effect on the manner that children’s lungs function in such a way that it brings about post-neonatal mortality (Brunekreef & Holgate, 2002); a situation that would have a severe impact on the demographics of the country. An increase in cardiovascular diseases and respiratory infections for the elderly could also result from acute air pollution, which exposes members of society to a number of harmful airborne pollutants (WHO 2000). Not only would this situation have an adverse effect on the health of members of society, it would also lead to an increase in the burden of healthcare on Canada; making it more expensive to cater for the needs of all of its citizens that are affected by air pollution.

The most direct route of exposure to harmful industrial chemicals in water it through the consumption of contaminated water from the affected bodies. The level of exposure depends on the amount of water that has been consumed meaning that those who consume more of this water are at a greater risk of being affected by the chemical compounds within it (Fewthrell, Kaufmann, & Preuss, 2003). There is also a risk that when this contaminated water is used in the preparation of food, the food also ends up being contaminated because despite high cooking temperatures, the level of toxicity is not easily affected. Another route of exposure in water is through inhalation of volatile compounds when individuals are having hot showers or skin exposure when bathing or making use of water for recreational purposes. These chemical compounds are extremely harmful especially considering that they might bring about the exposure of unborn or young children through crossing the placenta, or when infants take it in through breast milk. These forms of exposure are can bring about numerous adverse health and developmental effects on those individuals who are exposed to contaminated water; making it essential to make sure that pertinent steps are taken to ensure that water is free from industrial chemicals.

Also, acute exposure to industrial contaminants to drinking water can lead to diverse medical conditions, ranging from minor to major conditions. Among these is irritation in the eyes, nose, or skin and in some extreme instances, the gastrointestinal system. There are also instances where there is the possibility of chronic exposure such as liver toxicity that comes about as a result of the presence of copper, arsenic, or chromium in drinking water. When chemicals pass through the kidney of victims, it leads to toxic effects, which can cause serious problems for the individuals affected, with the most prominent elements in water that can cause kidney problems being cadmium, copper, mercury, and chlorobenzene (WHO 2003). The use of pesticides also brings about a lot of risk for those people living within areas close to water bodies that are used for everyday purposes. This is especially the case in agricultural or industrial settings where it is common for the chemicals used to persist in the environment for a long time and end up being carried into water bodies. The result of the ingestion of these chemicals through the consumption of water is that it leads to the disruption of the endocrine system that ends up leading to behavioral, developmental, and reproductive problems for the individuals affected. Furthermore, these chemicals, which disrupt the endocrine system, can lead to the reduction of fertility and increase the occurrence of birth defects and cancers that are hormonally dependent such as breast and prostate cancers (WHO & International Programme on Chemical Safety 2002). It is, therefore, important that control measures are taken to make sure that natural resources, especially air and water, are protected because without action from both government and communities, it is possible that industrial emissions into these resources could lead to some serious health and environmental problems.

Conclusion and Future Recommendations

Although industries play a significant role in economic development, studies have revealed that they have an adverse effect on human health and the environment through the emissions that these industries produce. The emissions are mainly in the form of gases, water, and particles, which, once they enter the atmosphere and water bodies, bring about a situation where there is risk of human exposure to these elements, or the environment being adversely affected through the destruction of natural ecosystems. In efforts to reduce the adverse effect of the emissions, the government of Canada should focus itself on reducing the level of emissions and improve the quality of air, improve visibility while at the same time monitoring the level of emissions. The Canadian government should take on leadership in controlling the level of emissions to both air and water in order to uphold the integrity of the natural ecosystem. The discussion above has shown that it is industries that produce the greenhouse gases and chemicals that are responsible for global warming. Therefore, it is important for the government take on initiatives to control the emissions in order to reduce the rate of global warming and the subsequent climate change. The effect of the emissions in the discussion has been classified in terms of the environmental, and the human health effects.

The keeping clean areas clean (KCAC) principles are an integral part of universal Canada-Wide Standards that focus on the quality of air while also protecting visibility (Taylor & McMillan, 2014). Furthermore, the provincial and the federal governments carry out the environment assessment to ensure that the quality of water and air does not injure the ecosystem. At all the new points of the source of water or air, the quality needs to be assessed to guarantee the Canada's efforts to protect the environment are upheld. More so, any modification of the air or water from the industries must be evaluated to ensure that it does not pollute the environment or cause harm to the human health. Among the most pertinent interventions that can be taken in future in order to ensure that the air and water quality is maintained at a premium level is through limiting hazardous waste disposal. Instead, hazardous substances should be recycled at their site of use or in situation where it is impossible to recycle, these substances can be replaced with those that are less harmful. Interventions There should be constant air monitoring which involves the cooperation between government institutions and communities aimed at reducing air pollution. Moreover, it is important for these monitoring activities to be tied to concrete actions such as the promotion of such actions as banning vehicle use when pollution levels become too high and go past predetermined thresholds. At the exposure level, it is important for individuals in the community to be conscious of the threat towards them and take necessary actions to protect themselves. Among these is the use of household filters to reduce the amount of chemicals such as arsenic from their drinking water. Finally, it is also essential for health services in the country to remain vigilant and seek to protect and bring about the restoration of the health of people showing signs of adverse effects in communities that are at the highest risk as a result of water and air pollution.

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