Economic Impact of Population and Technology on the Environment :: Environment Environmental Pollution Preservation

Economic Impact of Population and Technology on the Environment Ask any economist what two things have changed in the past three or so million years since humans first began appearing in demographically significant numbers and he will tell you with unwavering confidence: population and technology. And that economist would be right. These two factors are the root cause of every change in the standard of living we have experienced since the dawn of humanity. Any anthro-ecologist posed with the same question and will offer up little more than a puzzled look. Only two? The point, here, is that economists have a certain tendency to apply Razor's Axiom to every situation imaginable. Looking at the effect humans have on the environment is most commonly a qualitative exercise. While it may be possible to count sheer number of deer hunted or square miles of forest burned as the result of human involvement in nature, such calculations are more commonly done with anecdotes and broad estimates. Ask an economist to measure the damage done to the environme nt by humans and you will hear about equivalent and compentating differentials two quantitative methods of valuing a qualitative loss. Both neccesitate understanding humans' preferences and values, and take an understandably anthropocentric view of the Earth. Regardless, in absolute, per capita, and relative terms, both of those differentials have increased consistently over the course of human history. The first step in evaluating human impact on the environment is to elucidate what we consider human-caused ecological damage. There are, not surprisingly, a great many approaches possibly in defining such a broad concept, but there are a few basic principles which are nearly universal bads. The damages in this illumination are defined with a Darwinian perspective. One such bad is the loss of diversity among non-human population. This loss of diversity can take the form of extinction of plants or animals, a loss of genetic diversity among one species, or a forced-relocation of an existing population. Another bad is the transformation of terra, whether intentional or unintentional, as the result of human activity. Examples are common think 1930 s Oklahoma Dust Bowl and are often caused by agricultural activities. The next step in evaluating the extent human-caused environmental damages lies in the measurement of such damages. Since no dollar value can be placed on the extinct ion of a species, we must estimate the value that species contributes to the Earth s consumption (evaluating changes in consumption is the only way we can say that one situation is better than another).

Key Areas of Work by the United Nations

At the forefront globalization and the dramatic turn of events worldwide, the focus of states and government is towards economic stability and human development. These goals are also in conjunction with the goals set forth by the United Nations (UN), in particular, priorities on uk/why-nations-fail-chapter-5-review/">developing nations. More to this, the UN and its subordinate agencies are mandated to extend support and technical services on priority and special cases and at different areas.These global aspirations are carried out through government collaborations and or at the regional and bilateral level. However, at various junctures, these initiatives are often hampered by interventions driven by conflicts or disputes among nations and or within its people. Most often than not, these conflicts are either anchored or rooted to religious differences which brought about misunderstanding among interest groups. Hence, giving way to bitter resolution—wars and or violence.Relativ e to its functions and mandate, ethnic or religious conflicts have been proven to directly or indirectly affect the efforts of UN for international development, peace, justice, security, cooperation, gender equality, human rights and social justice. The domino effect is very apparent and dreaded in this type of conflict. Hence, an integrated approach in harnessing inter-faith communication among world religions and denominations is seen as a key factor in mitigating and or pacifying on-going international or bilateral conflicts.II. DiscussionInter-faith communication could be realized in various venues and through different media. In fact, it has itself a long history to stand on its own. This is done usually through inter-faith dialogues. But â€Å"inter faith† has always been interpreted in different ways and scope. Many were initiated by a particular group and were limited only to bilateral religions. On a wider range, many international organizations were born out of inte rfaith dialogues, usually inter-denomination within traditions such as Christianity. An example of which is World Council of Churches, the broadest Christian inter-denomination alliance.However, this does not include other major religions, not even Islam and the Catholic Church. Hence, a more integrated organization and a broader segment of religion or denomination are needed to establish and institutionalize inter-faith cooperation and understanding. Prior to coming up with this goal, a thorough study of the communication factors, conflict or risk management practices, cooperation and understanding principles as variables used and potentially to be used by different religions or faith is significant to establish the objective set above.Identifying Communication FactorsThis involves the identification of communication factors such as communication gap (language differences, information lapses, assimilation and or misinterpretations. This also allows for a better understanding of the weaknesses of the respective parties in holding dialogues or reaches out initiatives.Risk or Conflict ManagementThis variable is a very critical area in dealing with religious conflicts. The assessment of how parties practice conflict or risk management within their line or a counterpart enables possibility of drafting a roadmap for managing conflicts, or employing modifications to existing binding or non-binding policy.Employing Cooperation and Understanding PrinciplesThis is one of the most important considerations to be looked upon in initiating such critical moves as interfaith communication. Employing acceptable principles for cooperation and understanding enables mutual cooperation from opposing parties (respondents). For this study, denominations/religions in the village level will be the primary target. However, as to the assessment, the key informant will be coming from the hierarchy base or area.III. MethodologyThis research will be using a deductive approach in assessing the variables of the research as well as its implementation. The research will also employ a two-way data gathering scheme, including a key informant interview for religious leaders/elders and a survey among their respective followers and believers.The key informant interviewee will be asked (through guide questions) about their experience and perception of the variables being considered. The rest of the respondents will also be asked (through guided questionnaire) of their perception and affirmation of the variables in consideration and the affirmation of the leaders’/leaders’ information.The location of the study is proposed to be conducted in war-torn areas, devastated by ethnic or religious conflicts. The government concerned will be tapped for ensuring safe conduct pass and security and the academes in the conduct of the research respectively.The length of time for the conduct of the study is dependent on the availability of the respondents and financial and logi stical provisions.The researcher and a pool of experts will look into the data and subject it for analysis. After which, the research results will be published including the recommendations for referral to parties (religions, denominations, governments) involved, relative to UN concerns and work and request for actions to carry out the goals reflected in the research.IV. ConclusionIndeed, the need for a benevolent initiative as an alternative to resolve conflict is still the most acceptable to way to resolving global religious-related conflicts. War is not an answer to another war. It only derails and inhibits peace efforts. Hence, this research initiative to further understand and establish interfaith communication is filled with hopes in terms of feasibility and acceptability.Very recently, there was a global uproar in the Moslem world against the pronouncements of the Pope. Although The Vatican has already been in constant efforts to mitigate further disputes, the threats and ten sions are still high. Hence, without proper and peaceful venue for communication, worst may come to worst.V. Bibliography(Chicago, 1994). Learning’s for the Future of Inter-Faith Dialogue. http://www.laetusinpraesens.org/docs/diaparl.php.  (Berlin, 2005). Pope Stresses Interfaith Dialogue. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,1564,1558435,00.html.Ariarajah, S. (Geneva, 1991). Interfaith Dialogue.http://www.wcccoe.org/wcc/what/interreligious/diction.html.Ashafa,M.N.(Kaduna, 2005). Promoting Interfaith Dialogue.http://www.amf.net.au/PDF/diversityMatters/Imam-Muhammad-Ashafa.pdf#search=%22Interfaith%20dialogue%22.Garfinkel, R. (Washington, 2004). What Works? Evaluating Interfaith DialoguePrograms. http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/sr123.html.Goth, B. (Australia, 2005). Champion of interfaith dialogue.http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=3778.May, D. (2006). Inter-Religious Councils Tackle World's Conflicts.http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0828-04.htm.Ra tanasara, H. (Kentucky, 1996). The Importance of Interfaith Dialogue: A Buddhistperspective. http://www.urbandharma.org/bcdialog/bcd2/interfaith.htm.Smock, D. (Harvard, 2004). Divine Intervention: Regional Reconciliation through Faith.http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o;se=gglsc;d=5002080704;er=deny.Smock, D. (Washington, 2006). Interfaith Dialogue andPeacebuilding.http://bookstore.usip.org/books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=5121.

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