Environmental Dilemma

The world’s resources are not only being harvested unsustainably, they’re also being distributed unsustainably. How can we expect to live sustainably if 20% of the world’s population is consuming 83% of the world’s resources? We need to dramatically reduce our consumption to become sustainable. Not only that, but we also need to distribute the resources more evenly. The poorest 60% of the world are only consuming 5% of the world’s resources. If the poorest and richest nations together consumed 80% of the world’s resources, 40% each, then we would be far better off both in sustainability and human suffering.

There is a great debate between environmentalists. What is the problem, distribution or population? Malthus believed population was the problem – he believed that at some point population would grow faster than food production. That did indeed happen, but now we produce enough food to make the entire global population as fat as an average American. How can the problem be population if there is enough to go around and then some? Would we be better off with less people? Yes, but it depends. If we had less Africans, then it wouldn’t matter because they consume a lot less than an American or Western European. Would we be better off with less Americans and Western Europeans? Yes, considerably so. Of course, this isn’t a solution as no one is going to line up in front of a guillotine to contribute to the environment. So the solution lies in distribution alone. It is something that Americans and Western Europeans may not like, but it’s much more appealing than dying and the fact is that we must become more sustainable and teach poorer countries to be more sustainable as they grow.

Despite America’s international standing, we are still the shepherd. Most countries follow us, especially the impoverished ones. Once we start setting good examples, others will follow. American policy makers may ask that if impoverished countries and developing countries aren’t doing it, then why should we? Well the answer is that being a role model and being, arguably, the most powerful nation in the world comes with a fair amount of responsibility. Countries may only be interested in their own national interests, but every country must pull its own weight to create a more sustainable world. If it’s only one country, it’s like trying to win game of tug of war by yourself against an entire team – you’ll be pulled face first into the mud.

The solution is simple: distribute resources more evenly and stop harvesting resources as quickly. Of course this is easier said than done. As long as there is a market for something, it will be harvested to make money off of it. We should try to create markets for things that are renewable or find alternative ways to harvest things. Instead of mining for coal, use wind turbines to produce electricity. Instead of harvesting diamonds, use lab-created ones. They’re exactly the same – they have the same physical, optical, and chemical properties. This way you have a conflict-free diamond; a flawless product; and a much cheaper, more sustainable product.

Change won’t come without a crisis, as I noted in my post above. After all, America puts value on what material things you own. Why would anyone want to give that up so an African kid can afford to wear a pair of shoes? Why would a woman want to be the only one in her circle of friends with a lab-created ring? Why would someone who can afford a Ferrari opt to drive a Toyota Prius instead? The answer is, most wouldn’t and that’s the problem. We put too much emphasis on things that honestly don’t mean shit. How does a natural diamond improve your life anymore than a lab-created one? They are exactly the same in every way possible. Sure a Ferrari is a great car and people may see you differently than if you were driving a Prius, but the question is, do you really need people on the road, that you don’t know, to know that you have money? Why would you even care? America as a whole has to rid themselves of the insecurity and lavishness they’re so acquainted with and start making some sacrifices for the good of the world.