Recession Has Environmental Benefits?
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NPR reported today that the recession may be benefiting the environment. The International Energy Agency said greenhouse gas emissions have fallen sharply this year, mostly because of the downturn. This decline has been the steepest for almost half century. Most of the plunge is due to falling factory output. Delays in building new coal-fired power stations have also played a part.
The concern could be that once the recession is over, once we start to see economics pick up again, then we’re going to see emissions going up again.
The IEA says that for the first time, government moves to curb emissions in Europe, the U.S. and China are taking effect. They account for 25 percent of the fall in CO2.
While some amuse at the benefits of the downturn in bringing the CO2 emissions down for now, one can’t help but wonder what the ‘harmful’ impacts on the environment are.
Less buying power equals less production, less waist and more conserving of resources. However, people and industries strapped for cash may find ways to be more economical by disposing of waste in ways that are harmful to the environment or by extracting and harnessing natural resources without taking measures to counter the negative effects of such use.
Laws on pollution, the use of chemicals, clean air and clean water laws may be challenged by companies trying to improve their bottom line.
Finally, once the economy starts to improve, one would expect even a faster rate of green house gas production as the gears of industry start moving, moving faster to compensate for lost time, perhaps abusing natural resources at an accelerated rates as both industries and governments overlook the environment in their fixation at an economic rebound.
The recession will likely harm the environment not benefit it — if people and governments allow it.
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