Economic development and resource use have been synonymous in most civilizations’ growth to this day, however many countries were left behind. While the developed world is moving towards greener energy alternatives and reduced consumption in the face of climate change, many countries worldwide are unable to keep up in green goals. And it just so happens that these countries are the ones most adversely affected by climate change. So why aren’t these countries joining the race?
Many nations around the world have lower consumption rates, and as a result have slower economies. This makes implementation of renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and nuclear energy extremely difficult, as they do not have the capital to execute any plans. As a result, these countries sit helpless, pleading other countries to help while climate change looms towards us. While these countries stagnate in their ability to act, many developed and economically strong countries are choosing not to implement renewable technologies – why? Many of these nations have developed a dependence on certain kinds of resources, specifically fossil fuels. Their economies or infrastructure often grew to fit these raw resources. Furthermore, countries that are resource-reliant are against diversification due to the sheer difficulty of the task. In order to begin using capital on environmental goals, one must take funds out of other areas, specifically economic development. To devote all resources to improving green alternatives in a country is unviable, because the rest of the economy would collapse. However, to devote no resources to green alternatives, while keeping a healthy economy, is a self-destructive plan for two reasons: one, it would only speed up climate change, and two, when resources run out, there is no plan B. Changing an entire economy to fit green standards is extremely difficult, and many countries are struggling to find the means to implement these green alternatives.
Diversification of the economy is important because if provides three things: resource security, economic prosperity, and greener industry. By moving towards green economies, a country has renewable and much more reliable forms of energy to fall back on in the event of a crash of an energy source. A country which relies solely on coal would suffer greatly in the absence of coal, while a country using multiple kinds of renewable energies would be able to survive any disaster. Furthermore, when freed from a reliance on fossil fuels in order to power a country, renewable methods are much cheaper in the long run and can help a country maintain energy without too much capital loss. A country poor in natural resources such as Japan would benefit greatly in this right. Lastly, energy alternatives are inherently greener, meaning they release less carbon dioxide, contributing less to global warming. Diversification is extremely important and beneficial to the nation and to the environment, and therefore it is important that struggling countries are given a hand.
Efforts are being made to help these countries diversify their economy and move forward in the fight for diversification, especially by Conservation International. As an NGO with a focus to conserve the environment for the benefit of humans, CI sees it as extremely important that all countries get a leg up on building green infrastructure. CI is helping by providing research, funds, and proper policy to countries in need. CI has policy workers and researchers working in countries all over the world, and they are working to research the most efficient methods of green alternatives, and the best ways for certain countries to transition. CI lends this information to governing bodies around the world to help them make the best decisions in innovative policy and legislation. Furthermore, through the Carbon Fund and the Debt-for-Nature swap, CI provides funding to green energy projects throughout the developing world to help kick-start economies and get countries involved in creating green alternatives to diversify their economy and reduce global emissions. On the ground, policy workers work with local partners to communicate with governing bodies, suggesting changes and amendments to create a greener, more efficient economy. Through science, finance, and diplomacy, CI is working alongside world leaders to help countries begin their transformation to greener, diversified economies. As a result, CI will help these countries achieve resource security to protect them against disasters and crashes. CI will lower emissions and help stop climate change, and CI will change the lives of millions by changing the way their economies work.
Many nations around the world have lower consumption rates, and as a result have slower economies. This makes implementation of renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and nuclear energy extremely difficult, as they do not have the capital to execute any plans. As a result, these countries sit helpless, pleading other countries to help while climate change looms towards us. While these countries stagnate in their ability to act, many developed and economically strong countries are choosing not to implement renewable technologies – why? Many of these nations have developed a dependence on certain kinds of resources, specifically fossil fuels. Their economies or infrastructure often grew to fit these raw resources. Furthermore, countries that are resource-reliant are against diversification due to the sheer difficulty of the task. In order to begin using capital on environmental goals, one must take funds out of other areas, specifically economic development. To devote all resources to improving green alternatives in a country is unviable, because the rest of the economy would collapse. However, to devote no resources to green alternatives, while keeping a healthy economy, is a self-destructive plan for two reasons: one, it would only speed up climate change, and two, when resources run out, there is no plan B. Changing an entire economy to fit green standards is extremely difficult, and many countries are struggling to find the means to implement these green alternatives.
Diversification of the economy is important because if provides three things: resource security, economic prosperity, and greener industry. By moving towards green economies, a country has renewable and much more reliable forms of energy to fall back on in the event of a crash of an energy source. A country which relies solely on coal would suffer greatly in the absence of coal, while a country using multiple kinds of renewable energies would be able to survive any disaster. Furthermore, when freed from a reliance on fossil fuels in order to power a country, renewable methods are much cheaper in the long run and can help a country maintain energy without too much capital loss. A country poor in natural resources such as Japan would benefit greatly in this right. Lastly, energy alternatives are inherently greener, meaning they release less carbon dioxide, contributing less to global warming. Diversification is extremely important and beneficial to the nation and to the environment, and therefore it is important that struggling countries are given a hand.
Efforts are being made to help these countries diversify their economy and move forward in the fight for diversification, especially by Conservation International. As an NGO with a focus to conserve the environment for the benefit of humans, CI sees it as extremely important that all countries get a leg up on building green infrastructure. CI is helping by providing research, funds, and proper policy to countries in need. CI has policy workers and researchers working in countries all over the world, and they are working to research the most efficient methods of green alternatives, and the best ways for certain countries to transition. CI lends this information to governing bodies around the world to help them make the best decisions in innovative policy and legislation. Furthermore, through the Carbon Fund and the Debt-for-Nature swap, CI provides funding to green energy projects throughout the developing world to help kick-start economies and get countries involved in creating green alternatives to diversify their economy and reduce global emissions. On the ground, policy workers work with local partners to communicate with governing bodies, suggesting changes and amendments to create a greener, more efficient economy. Through science, finance, and diplomacy, CI is working alongside world leaders to help countries begin their transformation to greener, diversified economies. As a result, CI will help these countries achieve resource security to protect them against disasters and crashes. CI will lower emissions and help stop climate change, and CI will change the lives of millions by changing the way their economies work.