Reducing carbon emission is not all
We need to do more for the environment
While the Paris climate conference (COP21) succeeded to draw the commitment of 197 countries, the scepticism surrounding it cannot be ignored because questions on how the measures that would help scaling down green emissions will be implemented still remains a major concern. During the climate sessions, there were no indications on the monitoring of each nations by an independent body on the reduction of carbon emissions.
I believe the developed nations, including that of the US, UK and other European states, who were primarily responsible for causing much of the environmental damages post-industrial revolution hardly raised any serious concern on a global level until the late 1980’s when countries like India and China began liberalising economic policies, which saw a huge rise in the activity in manufacturing sectors.
Until Paris climate summit, I guess, developing nations’ participation in environmental events were insignificant. Now, a good portion of the manufacturing activities are being outsourced, thus impacting the environment, mainly due to insufficient regulatory mechanisms. In spite of all the best intentions, there remains few pertinent questions.
How does the Paris summit address the issue of Western nations, especially Sweden sending old ships to be scrapped in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan and India, which sounds like a dangerous task besides being extremely polluting? Why has there not been any discussions on restricting the use of fuel guzzling vehicles?
It sounds very hypocritical when we all talk about preserving the environment and at the same time discussing the possibilities of expanding global trade activities. Summits on climate-related issues should not be restricted to its topic within the scope of fossil fuel consumption, but should also address the excessive consumerism that the 21st century is witnessing. Did anyone spare a thought on the millions of used mobiles phones that are being discarded? The need for reducing the measure of carbon emission is just a tip of the iceberg. There are more significant factors that take a toll on the delicate structure of our environment.
— The reader is an Indian business development coordinator based in Dubai
