Looking Out For the Environment


It's hard to imagine that our planet is small enough, threats and disasters have the ability to touch even the farthest ends of the Earth. Industrial pollution contributes to rising temperatures, resulting in melting Arctic ice caps. International trade increases ocean pollutants, threatening marine life all over the world. Each and every decision made by companies and individuals has the ability to impact our planet significantly.


Thankfully, there are many international structures in place to protect the interests of the environment. For example, the United Nations, which began in 1945, held many international conferences that are responsible for producing initiatives such as the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the Statement of Principles for the Sustainable Management of Forests, and the Commission on Sustainable Development. The intentions of the UN are as good as they come, but unfortunately, many challenges lie in the path of environmental success. Not only are new environmental challenges facing the UN daily, excessive conflict over natural resources are also presenting a problem. Although those complications are out of the hands of the organization, there are some weaknesses that can be controlled, such as policy enforcement, financial backing, and some even criticize the UN for their lack of performance. The Rio declaration was effective in raising awareness, but many of the original goals of the Declaration remain unfulfilled.

Another well known international organization is the World Trade Organization. Formed in 1995, the WTO is the global enforcer of rules concerning international trade. The WTO has been highly criticized for valuing commercial interests before environmental and labor interests. Despite this criticism, the WTO has environmental protection plans high on their future priority list.

Also being heavily reprimanded are the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which were formed in 1944 by financial ministers from 45 governments. Many believe that the interests of these organizations are more enthusiastic about providing financial assistance to the causes that harm the environment than those that assist in its well-being. However, the World Bank is called the "worlds largest financier of biodiversity", and the IMF claims they are financing sustainable development goals, as well as addressing the challenges of climate change.

In many nations, policy makers are giving commercial interests priority over environmental interests. The IMF believes stimulated economies will result in better environmental protection. The WTO believes that natural resources should be used with sustainable development in mind, but there are claims that environmental interests have been tossed aside for economic gain. The belief that stimulating the economy will benefit the environment may be the truth to an extent, however, with the recent advancements in green energy and technology, there are incredible economic opportunities, as well as opportunities for job placement, sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and permaculture.

Individually and collectively, small changes can make a huge difference in our environment. Many companies are striving to be 100% sustainable, or to operate their companies with no carbon footprint. Maybe someday environmentalism will overpower industrialism, but until then, it is up to you, me, policy makers, and CEO's to make small changes for a larger cause.

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