Example Essay. Is Sustainability Possible in Developing Countries PDF

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Example Essay. Is Sustainability Possible in Developing Countries? Growing reliance on fossil fuels and other nonrenewable energy sources is presenting pressing concerns about the future of the environment. Indiscriminate use of land and water resources is leading to a dangerously imminent threat of...

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Example Essay. Is Sustainability Possible in Developing Countries? Growing reliance on fossil fuels and other nonrenewable energy sources is presenting pressing concerns about the future of the environment. Indiscriminate use of land and water resources is leading to a dangerously imminent threat of exhaustion. Sustainability is the practice of using resources provided by nature in a way which meets the needs of current generations but leaves enough for future generations as well. Countries in numerous lesser developed regions of the world, such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America, have inhabitants that often live close to nature, and a sustainable way of development is ideal for preservation. M. S. Swaminathan and P. C. Kesavan from the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation support a comprehensive move towards a so-called evergreen revolution to promote sustainable agriculture in developing countries, as stated in their research journal. Additionally, according to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a sustainable way of living for indigenous groups in the developing world is possible through assistance and cooperation between nations and groups within these. However, there exist many obstacles to overcome if a truly sustainable way of life is realized. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) asserts that developing nations may encounter complications when attempting to enter a green economy due to competition and limitations by developed and technologically advanced countries. Sophie von Hatzfeldt, a master in public policy with background work at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), additionally suggests that renewable energy laws may in fact be detracting the potential of sustainability. In the light of accelerated resource use in these developing nations, the extent to which sustainability is possible must be investigated. P. C. Kesavan and M. S. Swaminathan advocate an evergreen revolution in agriculture, especially in developing Asian nations such as India and China, to promote a sustainable,

productive, and inclusive agricultural management system, as stated in their article “Strategies and Models for Agricultural Sustainability in Developing Asian Countries” for the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B journal. This evergreen revolution would reverse the environmental damages caused by the Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, which “transformed the image of India from a ‘begging bowl’ to a ‘bread basket’” by increasing crop yields, yet sacrificing the integrity of the soils (Kesavan and Swaminathan 889). This proposed evergreen revolution “is founded on the principles of environmental and social sustainability and economic viability” and focuses on alleviating poverty and supporting sustainable agriculture practices that enrich the devastated environment (882). Multiple viable options for the execution of this revolution are being researched or implemented, such as organic agriculture, ecoagriculture, green agriculture, effective microorganism agriculture, and white agriculture as well as the one-straw revolution. These methods lessen the reliance on chemicals and increase the use of integrated pest management, a more environmentally friendly alternative. The conservation of soils and resources is also emphasized by ecoagricultural techniques. Some of these methods, such as effective microorganism (EM) agriculture, may “enhance crop yields to much higher levels than achievable with conventional farming methods” (886). The article puts forth the idea that using these innovative farming techniques on a wide scale may allow developing nations to commence a transition towards a sustainable way of farming and interacting with the environment. This is supported by evidence from previous research by respected scientists and professionals such as Rachel Carson and Masanobu Fukuoka. Numerous reputable sources originating from varied organizations are listed to support suggestions made in the article; however, many of these supporting sources have been written by one of the authors himself. Twenty-four of the article’s references are written by M. S. Swaminathan or co-authored

by him and his research foundation. Notwithstanding the inclusion of well-cited background resources and information, the use of his research and further opinions make the argument lose some of its strength through a biased nature. A sustainable way of living can also be accomplished without putting multiple indigenous cultures at risk, as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) proposes in its report Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Development. Indigenous peoples are the most at risk to fall into extreme poverty and therefore resort to decimating natural resources in order to survive day to day. The IFAD is focusing on “securing indigenous peoples’ land rights” to make sustainable ways of development possible (Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Development 5). The main issues as outlined in the report are blending indigenous knowledge and cultural systems with modern technology, securing indigenous people’s land rights, and preventing conflict while building peace. Within these categories, numerous examples are listed which show the current work of the IFAD as well as successes and the lessons they have learned concerning the best way to ensure that indigenous peoples’ rights are not violated. The IFAD’s Sustainable Rural Development Project for the Ngobe-Bugle Territory and Adjoining Districts in Panama is one of the examples which shows how indigenous peoples are being empowered and “involved in formulating the laws” of their localities as well as gaining improved access to markets and education (7). If one is to accurately analyze the viability of the implementation of a sustainable way of living in these highly rural and indigenous areas, it is necessary to assess the viewpoint of the inhabitants themselves. The report does this extensively by showing the problem from the view of the directly affected, including sources and an insight to the thoughts of the people being discussed. Here it is explained that indigenous peoples also wish to develop in a sustainable manner. This development would not disrupt their culture and allow for

participation and certain autonomy. Researched sources from varied foundations and organizations such as the World Bank and European Union are cited throughout the report, supporting the suggestions made. However, the report itself points out that “it does not include examples from Africa” (6). By just focusing on certain regions, the report’s conclusion plainly disregards an entire continent and cannot be applied to a global stage. If developing nations are to undertake a shift into a majorly sustainable way of life, the economic impact and feasibility of this should be analyzed, according to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development’s (UNCSD) report Trade and Green Economy. The report outlines that a global transition to a green economy that increases positive contributions to sustainability would have to lower carbon emissions related to the manufacture and transport of goods across nations. To accomplish this, developing nations may encounter complications due to competition from other more experienced nations and the limitations set by different environmental standards in each country, as well as technology limitations. The legal issues surrounding green trade are also examined in the report, offering an assessment of each suggestion that “may affect trade” and how it complies with “GATT-WTO rules and disciplines” (Trade and Green Economy 1). The report concludes that countries around the world may implement trade measures and policies that promote sustainability and cooperation among nations with regard to trade in an effective manner. However, in order to result in a globally feasible green economy, countries must work together to implement similar environmental regulations and trade regulations and also share information for the advancement of technology in developing nations. At the same time, these measures may “raise concerns from trade partners” if every country does not agree with implemented measures (6). Globally, the implementation of these policies could allow green trade to occur and sustainability to flourish

worldwide, as well as allow developing countries to formulate a profit in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. However, some countries could be excluded from trade due to the lack of infrastructure or regulation to meet these implementations, which would not help the global economy. The report cites previous reports by Aaron Cosbey, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Advisor on Green Economy, as well as other outside sources and previous reports produced by the UNCTAD to support the claims and suggestions for the transition to a green economy. Although the sources themselves are credible in the context of the report as they are supported by international organizations that specialize in the subject matter, there is a lack of variety. This report prepared by the United Nations (UN) cites other reports by close UN agencies, which could mean that the authors are using their own previous publications to support themselves. This could make the evidence seem less reliable, although the report as a whole includes information from other credible sources that balance the evidences. Concerns about government policies referencing to sustainability do not stop at economics. In her article “Renewable energy in Chile barriers and the role of public policy” for the Journal of International Affairs, Sophie von Hatzfeldt argues that public policy presents multiple barriers to the implementation of widespread sustainably renewable energy, specifically in Chile and other developing South American countries. The article claims that “Chile’s potential is remarkable” when it comes to renewable energy projects (von Hatzfeldt 202). This vast and untapped potential for renewable energy is being hindered by well-meaning yet ineffective government policies that create barriers which inhibit renewable energy growth. These barriers are listed as “lack of available financing, [. . .] barriers to entry for new actors in the highly concentrated electricity market, [. . .] conflict of interest between the state and the

private sector, [. . .] and institutional procedures for the establishment of renewable energy projects” (204-205). The author uses a logical progression to discuss these barriers and when discussing them she clearly has a source for each of her proposals. When saying that “four influential families [. . .] dominate 47 percent of the Santiago stock exchange,” the author cites the report where the statistic came from, giving evidence to her claims (205). These sources come from a variety of different backgrounds; some come from Chile and are written in Spanish while others come from international entities known around the world. The varied use of sources offers a well-rounded research and evidence approach. Still, the article does not once refer to the possible consequences on environmental systems due to renewable energy constructions. This absence of consideration for the environment is coupled with a lack of different perspectives on the issue. The thoughts of local inhabitants and company owners are not included in the article, which takes away from its reliable portrayal of the situation. P. C. Kesavan and M. S. Swaminathan, as well as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), propose the view that developing countries can indeed implement sustainable practices with the proper infrastructure and support in place. However, Sophie von Hatzfeldt and the UNCSD indicate that there are momentous challenges to applying widespread sustainable economic and energy practices in these developing nations. Foundations and programs, such as the IFAD and the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), are focusing on development and food security in these areas. Their programs have accomplished much in the areas of agriculture and land use in small areas, but in order for an entire country or region to embrace these sustainable practices there must be more support and technology in place. A true sustainable way of living not only includes sustainable agriculture and land use practices, but also renewable energy use and sustainable economic policies that allow for the

continuing development of a country. It is difficult for developing nations to enter a global economy in a ‘green’ manner due to intense competition and lack of technology. The same concept applies for renewable energy. Numerous countries have a great potential for renewable energy, but there is a lack of technology and interest from private companies due to restrictive government policies. Certain aspects of life, such as agriculture, can be sustainable and this is indeed being encouraged and applied in multiple areas. However, at this point in time sustainability in all aspects and facets is not possible in various developing nations due to inefficient policies and a deficiency of technology and support. Word count: 1,983 Works Cited Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Development. Discussion Paper. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Feb. 2003. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. . Kesavan, P. C., and M. S. Swaminathan. "Strategies and Models for Agricultural Sustainability in Developing Asian Countries." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B 363.1492 (2008): 877-91. Strategies and Models for Agricultural Sustainability in Developing Asian Countries. The Royal Society, 27 Feb. 2008. Web. 11 Sept. 2014....