Is the Recession Good or Bad For the Environment

by Kayleigh Lawrence

In the midst of a global recession, we all know that money is in short supply for everyone. Many of us have already felt the consequences of this, being forced to tighten our belts, and endure the prolonged, painful wait for the economy to turn around. At the same time we are all aware of global warming and the challenges that face society if we are too avert the potential catastrophes that may arise from climate change. Unlike us however, climate change will not simply wait for the recession to end. 

The unprecedented burdens of the global economic slowdown and climate change have presented themselves simultaneously. Some are using the argument that in these times of little money and increasing unemployment, global warming and measures to reduce greenhouse gases should be put on the backburner to ensure that a global effort is concentrated towards the recession. This argument should be seen for what it really is - a poor excuse for those unwilling to commit to real environmental change. It is illogical to believe that global warming can just be ignored, unfortunately it isn't going anywhere nor will it solve itself. Furthermore does this imply that global warming will just wait for a time that will suit us? Of course not. The bigger the delay in dealing with the actions that contribute towards global warming, the bigger the financial, environmental and social costs will be in tackling climate change. A significant delay will also increase risk that the world will reach a tipping point, beyond which that the dangers of climate change will be unavoidable. In basic terms, the world's economy cannot exist without an environment.

Some of you may think that this is outlook is too simplistic and naive and the relationship between the economy and the environment is complex, and yes this true. The global economic slowdown has meant a reduction in carbon emissions, because with less spending there will be less waste consumption, and there has also been a decline in oil burning, commercial flights, and car sales. However do not be fooled into thinking that this is nothing more then a temporary situation as the recession is moving climate change further down the agenda not only for the world's governments but for industry and the general public. When money tight, industries are unlikely to invest in cleaner technologies and nor is the public willing to spend money on the more expensive yet more environmentally friendly products. So where do we go from here?

Continued: (you will not leave Gather)