Is it possible to protect the environment when many countries require increasing amount of energy to progress?

Question

anyone has argument for and against, with concrete examples? thanks!

Answer 1

Yes it's possible. Developed nations must lead the way in pursuing clean alternative form of renewable energy, so developing countries have room to grow.

Answer 2

I've been looking at California and how they do it.  They cheat, they force the other ststes to pollute their lands by making it illegal to pollute in the state.

SO, you could do it the California way, make someone else polluter their land

Hey, isn't that exactly why China has its issues???

Answer 3

It's possible but unlikely at first.  Underdeveloped countries are going to chose the fastest path to development and when presented with a choice of development or environment they will chose development. Generally becoming concerned about the environment is something you do once your basic needs have been met. On the other hand, the countries that are developing today have a better set of resources and examples than already developed countries that have to figure it out on there own and undo a lot.

A good example is China.  They have just gone through a major growth period without environmental concern, but now they are starting to get laws on the books and take advantage of new technology.

An example of the opposite - when a country does develop in an environmentally sound way is Costa Rica. They recognized that their long-term existence depended on the environment and developed their economy with some of the strongest environmental laws on the books, i.e. coffee must be organically grown.

Answer 4

I've been looking at how California has responded to global climate change recently, and based on that would have to say yes.  There are many solutions to existing problems that could be plucked 'off the shelf.' There is new technology available, some just in concept only, many well along and close to being implemented.

California's approach involves research, coordination, and rewards for those who act early, before the plan is fully implemented.  It is an impressive effort and worthy of a close look by all interested in conservation and climate change.  Sustainability is going to be a big part of the solution. And toward that end, we need to set an example for countries whose energy process is behind the curve.