The most serious challenge before the states is pursuing economic development without causing further damage to the global environment. How could we achieve this? Explain with a few examples.
The states have to look for an alternate model of development in order to bring about economic development without causing further damage to the environment.
a. The states need to work towards sustainable development which is a pattern of development aiming at preserving the environment. It is a mode of human development in which the usage of resources must aim to meet the human needs without causing much damage to the environment. This will also ensure that the needs are met not only in the present, but also for the generations to come.
b. Presently, sustainable development is the buzzword which aims at integrating economic development with environmental protection. Even though industrialisation leads to massive economic growth and development, it also causes environmental degradation through pollution.
c. Certain steps can be taken like redesigning machinery to prevent noise pollution, using gas or oil to prevent smoke, installing smoke stacks and tapping the non-conventional sources of energy like solar energy and wind energy.
d. Similarly, in the agricultural sector, the excessive use of fertilizers is degrading the lands; therefore, it is imperative to have a sustainable model of development even in the farming sector like the adoption of organic farming.
e. The nation states can collectively work in the National Environmental Action Plan that aims at designing strategies for sustainable development.
f. The states can collaborate with the UNDP and undertake projects to ensure the efficient use of energy. For example, Ghana has undertaken a project to promote the Appliance Energy Efficiency and Transformation of the Refrigeration Appliance Market.
g. The states must ensure judicious usage of the limited sources of energy and conserve them from getting exhausted. Therefore, everyone must use the renewable sources of energy and must tap them to the fullest; examples being solar energy and wind energy.