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Various reasons why relying on governments alone may also not provide the socially best outcomes for the environment
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Various reasons why relying on governments alone may also not provide the socially best outcomes for the environment
Introduction
The poor communities live in unhealthy and hazardous environments within the urban environments. Several individuals are reported to build their homes and consequently grow the food they eat within the river floodplains in cities and towns. Indeed, it is evident that urban poor within the developing countries have increased difficulty in accessing water for their day-to-day lives (Lobell & Burke 2010). There are different schools of thought as to whether these actually reinforce the socio-economic vulnerability and marginalization. Some individuals within the urban centers construct their different shelters on the steep, along foreshore on the former mangrove tidal flats or swamps, and unstable hillside (Banks, Roy & Hulmen 2011). The government alone is therefore not able to provide the best socially best outcomes for the environment.
Several decades ago, the economics have debated on the relative strengths of the fiscal and monetary policy, with some of the economists having an opinion that the monetary policy is powerless while others arguing that the fiscal policy is powerless. However, all these issues are considered dead in the contemporary society. Currently, almost all the monetarists and the Keynesians are from the school of thought that monetary policy and fiscal policy are affected by the aggregate demand. Some of the economists also believe that the famous debt neutrality, the doctrine that is intended to substitute the government borrowing for the taxes have totally no effects on the overall demand (Sudeep 2009). Indeed, there is an increased demand for both the government and private sector to invest on the environmental issues due to the effects of climate change witnessed globally.
Various reasons why relying on governments alone may also not provide the socially best outcomes for the environment
There has been increase in climate change affecting the environment in the long. The term climate change is a word which has been used to refer to the increase in temperature of the earth. This is associated with the increase in temperatures within the earth’s atmosphere. Most scientists who study climate have attributed this factor to human activities (Pounds et al., 2006). In this case, climate change is normally caused by the impacts of greenhouse gases on the environment. These greenhouse gases are normally emitted into the environment through combustion of carbon fuels and activities like deforestation. When carbon fuels burn they produce gases like carbon (IV) oxide, these gas forms a layer above the earth’s atmosphere. This layer normally traps the heat that could have otherwise escaped from the earth’s atmosphere leading to increased temperature (Douglaset al. 2008).
The government alone cannot be able to provide the socially best outcomes for the environment since it is the activities of the human beings that pose a threat to the environment. Therefore, the human beings must be involved in all the activities towards environmental management. Current research shows that human activities have added at least thirty percent of carbon dioxide into the environment, which is an enormous increase (Gregory, Ingram & Brklacich 2005). This can be proved because scientists have established that the amount of carbon dioxide, which has increased in the atmosphere, is in congruence with the combustion of fossil fuel. Human activities like generation of electricity, heating, cement production and transport, normally result in the release of billion of tons of carbon dioxide in the environment annually (Pounds et al., 2006). Evidence of global warming has been observed from various sources, with the media highlighting this issue. Environmental scientists have also observed that, the past few years have been the warmest in human history. These are evidence clearly pointing out that, the temperatures have been on the increase continuously. Scientific research has established that increase in global temperature started in the 1900s. This has been associated the huge destruction of forests in the North America, which took place in the 1800s. Industrial revolution, which took place at around the same time, was also viewed to be responsible for the sharp increase in carbon dioxide within the environment during that era (Both, et al., 2006).
Human activities, which lead to climate change, have also been pointed out as the major cause of current droughts experience throughout the world. Proponents of the view that global warming is caused by human activities have pointed out some of the major world droughts. They have established that these droughts correlate with the release of large volumes of greenhouse gases into the environment. For example, they show that the 1998 to 2002 drought was as a result of climate change. The connection of this drought to global warming is based on the fact that, this drought was widespread from the US to central Asia. This showed that the drought was part of an event, which was both huge and homogeneous, signifying climate change (Velicogna & Wahr, 2006).
Scientists in general and environmental experts now perceive climate change, and the fact that it is caused by humans, to be a real issue. This is because scientist and environmental experts have been able to point out some of the empirical evidence, which correlates climate change and human actions. Some of this evidence includes: rising of the sea levels, this has been observed in situations where the sea has risen and covered the towns of low altitude, and islands (Edenhofer 2012). Melting of ice in the North Pole is also another event which signifies global warming due to human actions. Animals have also tended to migrate to escape the effects of climate change. Events like extreme weather patterns and droughts have also been associated with global warming. Migration of certain disease such as Malaria to areas where they were initially unheard of has also been viewed as a consequence of climate change. The above events have been seen as a direct result of climate change, caused by human activities, and destruction of the environment (Hansen, Ruedy, Sato & Lo, 2006).
Environmental Management in the Context of Economics
The essential principle of the classical theory is the fact the economy is always self regulating. The classical economists have always maintained the school of thought that economy is always able to achieve the natural level of the output or GDP, which the level that is often achieved when the resources of the economy are fully utilize (Lucas 1976). The government should therefore involve both the public and private sector in dealing with the environmental issues. There have been issues that have resulted from the environmental degradation such as floods that have impacted on the economy of countries globally. The floods are in most cases a natural phenomenon; however losses and damage from the floods are simply consequences of the human activities. Despite the fact that, climate changes have increasingly been driven by development and modernization, different human actions including land degradation by the poor famers and grazing herd of animals have contributed to environmental change (McGranahan, Balk & Anderson 2007). The individuals who live in such areas are responsible for causing the climate change that has consequently led to the increased cases of global warming. An increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon (IV) oxide, in the environment will automatically lead to an increase in temperature (Ghan & Shippert 2006). Thus, the amount carbon dioxide in the environment is usually less than those of oxygen and nitrogen, which are harmless to the environment. According to scientists, carbon dioxide can produce infrared rays, which is mainly responsible for “greenhouse effects”. Carbon dioxide can also remain in the atmosphere for a lengthy period. Therefore, over production of this gas into the atmosphere, due the combustion of fossil fuel will cause global warming (Pounds, et al. 2006).
The monetarist economic theorists are of the opinion that the government has a role in the control of the actual amount of money that actually circulates. It is from the school of thought that the variation in the major supply of money has an increased influence on the national output within the short run and subsequently the price level over a longer period of time. Moreover, it’s of the opinion that the monetary policies that are put in place are adequately met through targeting the rate of growth of the supply of money. Today, monetarism is mainly associated with the works of Milton Friedman who was actually one of the economists who accepted the Keynesian theory (Friedman & Anna 1963).However, despite the fact that government has the responsibility of funding the activities towards the environment, all the stakeholders must be incorporated. Scientists in general and environmental experts now perceive climate change, and it is caused by humans, to be a real issue (Orlin 1996). This is because scientist and environmental experts have been able to point out some of the empirical evidence, which correlates climate change and human actions. Some of this evidence includes: rising of the sea levels, this has been observed in situations where the sea has risen and covered the towns of low altitude, and islands. Melting of ice in the North Pole is also another event which signifies global warming due to human actions (Hall 1989). Animals have also tended to migrate to escape the effects of climate change. Events like extreme weather patterns and droughts have also been associated with global warming. Migration of certain disease such as Malaria to areas where they were initially unheard of has also been viewed to have resulted from the climate change. The events have been seen as a direct result of climate change that is caused by the human activities as well as destruction of the environment (Hansen, Ruedy, Sato & Lo 2006). Indeed, the government should come up with economic policies that encourage both public and private participation in curbing the environmental issues.
Conclusion
Conclusion
There are also factors which link global warming to the activities of man with some reasonable evidence. Whether climate change is caused by nature or human activities, human being should learn to take care of their environment, through reduction of pollution, and finding alternative technology, which reduces pollution. If these measures are taken, the human population and the environment will be sustained for the future generations. However, the government should give both the public and private sector opportunity of participating.
Bibliography
Both, C. et al., May 4, 2006, Further Evidence for Extinctions Due to Global Warming. Nature, 441, 81.
Banks, N. Roy, M. & Hulmen, D. 2011, Neglecting the urban poor in Bangladesh: research, policy and action in the context of climate change. Environment and Urbanization, 23: 487.
Douglas, I., Kurshid, A., Maryanne, M. et al. 2008, Unjust waters: climate change, flooding and the urban poor in Africa. Environment and Urbanization, 20: 187.
Edenhofer, O 2012, Climate change, justice and sustainability: linking climate and development policy, Springer, Dordrecht.
Friedman, M. & Anna., J. S. (1963). “Money and Business Cycles,” Review of Economics and Statistics, 45(1),
Gregory, P, Ingram, J & Brklacich M 2005, ‘Climate change and food security’ The Royal Society Biological Sciences, vol. 360 no. 1463. pp. 2139-2148.
Ghan, S. J. & Shippert, T. 2006, Mountain Snowpack Declines Mean Trouble for the Future of the World’s Water Supply. Journal of Climate, 19, 1589.
Hall, P 1989, The Political Power of Economic Ideas: Keynesianism across Nations. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press.
Hansen, J., Ruedy, R., Sato, M. & Lo, K. 2006, Hotter and Hotter. GISS Surface Temperature Analysis, Global Temperature Trends: 2005 Summation, NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Retrieved on May 29, 2013 from http://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/2005/.
Lobell, D, & Burke, M 2010, Climate change and food security: adapting agriculture to a warmer world, Springer, Dordrecht.
Lucas, R 1976, “Econometric Policy Evaluation: A Critique”. In Brunner, K.; Meltzer, A. The Phillips Curve and Labor Markets. Carnegie-Rochester Conference Series on Public Policy 1. New York: American Elsevier. pp. 19–46.
McGranahan, G., Balk, D. & Anderson, B. 2007, The rising tide: assessing the risks of climate change and human settlements in low elevation coastal zones. Environment and Urbanization, 7 19: 17.
Orlin, C 1996, International Financial Markets (3rd ed.). Prentice Hall. pp. 2–12.
Pounds, J. A., et al., January 12, 2006, Further Evidence for Extinctions Due to Global Warming. Nature, 439, 161.
Sudeep R 2009, “The New Old Big Thing in Economics: J.M. Keynes”. The Wall Street Journal, 1, 3.
Velicogna, I. & Wahr, J. A. March 24, 2006, Tipping Point at the Poles? Science, 311, 1754.
Major cause of Cold War
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Major cause of Cold War
The cold war occurred because of three major reasons. There were differences in global ideologies, political structures and geopolitics, and the acceptable economic arrangements. Ideologically, the West and East fought over superiority, governance and progress the struggle centred on the concept of ‘superpower’. The struggle between the European countries and the Eastern bloc over the control of the world was a major cause of the cold war. The Europeans countries believed that they were progressive countries with better governance and could not be controlled by the Russians and Japanese. The blocs used the political, religious, economic, cultural powers and sometimes force to continue the antagonism. Throughout the period, the world underwent major changes. The English laws became accepted, and property ownership laws passed. The French had the Nobles who attempted to assert their power and control the state. The era also saw rapid changes in transportation, population growth and modern agriculture. The European powers such as Germany, Britain and France lost their global dominance. There was also growing nationalism and national conscience that led to show-of-might and pride in sports such as the Munich Olympics.
These divergent views were pushed by the USA under Roosevelt and the Soviet Union under Stalin. The superpowers clashed over politics of Eastern Europe such as the situation in Poland and the Korean Wars. On the geopolitics front, the actions to be taken against Germany and the country’s future dominate the conflicts.
The Russo-America hatred acted as the major cause of Cold War. The struggle emanated from differences over what action to take against Germany for causing World War. The antagonism occurred differences occurred over disagreements on the system of government for German and how to handle the reparations from Germany’s production. The United States antagonistic attitude toward the Soviet caused tension. While the soviet pushed for the Eastern Europe bloc, the US pushed for the creation of the United Nations.
Cold War occurred because of the economic struggles. The bourgeois elites of Western Europe hold the conventional wisdom after the World War II and this assisted in sustaining parliamentary leadership as well as preserving the essence of market-oriented economies. These two world wars resulted in democracy in Britain that broadened economic transformation in France. Different forces did not possess the mandatory economic skills and reasonable vision for reinstating the shattered economies nationally to productivity. The managerial talent was monopolized by the Christian Democratic parties who turned out as catch-all groupings that involved everybody in the political class such as the old elites. Besides, revolution was rejected by majority of people and peasants well as workers who given the choice to adhere to the benefits of bourgeois society instead of destroying it. The moderate Left from the Communist leadership felt alienated by the threat of Soviet imperialism. The situationcontributed to a mixture of humanitarian, security and commercial motives in United States, and underwriting of European construction during the crucial time.
Bibliography
Alfred von Tirpitz and Bernhard von Bülow. 1st and 2nd Moroccan crises: origins of
world war 1
Charles S. Maier. “The Two Post-war Eras and the Conditions for Stability in Twentieth-
Century Western Europe,” The American Historical Review, 86. 2 (1981): 327-352
Stephen A. Schuker and Charles P. Kindleberger .The Two Postwar Eras: American
Historical Review, 86, (1981): 327-367.
THE NATURE OF POWER (SUMMARY)
Various arguments have raised concern over the verses in the Quran and how they supplement each other
Activity 6.2
Various arguments have raised concern over the verses in the Quran and how they supplement each other. This is because they are interpreted differently by some scholars and critics. According to the Quran, miracles performed are supposed to be a reflection of the teachings of Islamic religion and an encouragement to people of the existence of Allah and his sent prophets (Sachedina, 1998). The performance of these miracles is also considered a responsibility and service of the prophets as defined by the Quran and not for any malicious motives. This is translated as inimitability. According to Sachedina, “…contrariety in the Quranic narratives from the two Testaments; the inconsistencies of the Gospel; nega- tion of free will and delegation of authority [to humankind]” (Pg 69). This content has been subject to controversy considering the teachings in Surah 3:41 and 19:10. The two verses describe the authorization by Allah, for the prophet to unquestionably follow his command. On the other hand the sane Holy Book preaches the exercising of free will in the service of Allah. This explains the questions that have risen to understand this concept and where the loyalty of the people should be in service.
Activity 6.4
Besides the Quran which is considered a great miracle by the Islamic community, the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have performed other miracles as well (Ali Khan, 1983). As mentioned above, these were all for the service of Allah which was referred to as inimitability (Sachedina, 1998). The author here discusses the abilities that were evident in the prophet especially during his last days. Muslims strongly believe that Muhammad was a messenger directly from Allah and represented him to his people. For instance, he had the ability to cure a sick person which was a gift presumed to come from Allah (Ali Khan, 1983). This was a rare gift and anyone who could do this was highly regarded by the religious group. Similarly, it was one of the roles of a prophet and the mystery behind the healing was referred to as a miracle, thus the work of Allah through his prophet. There is also a detailed review by the author of the prophet’s meeting with the Angel Gabriel (Ali Khan, 1983), which is viewed as a miraculous event since not all people of the faith could get favor with Allah. This enabled him foresee events and warn the people in advance.
Activity 6.5
Muslims are well known of placing their values of life and drawing their morals from the Quran’s teachings. They are also obliged to their own courts as opposed to most religions where they are judged according to the teachings of the Quran. Ibn Kathir, (2003) gives an illustration of a man marrying one of his daughter’s as a narrative present in the Holy Book. This brings to a discussion the legalities behind the same religion since their law is simply the Quran. In relation to this text, the authority of the Quran is limited especially because of the changing circumstances today. According to Muslim scholars, though the legal issues should be sorted out using the Quran, it is advisable that the extremes be cautioned. For as long as both parties benefit from the solution, it is valid. The authorization to use narratives and verses from the Quran can therefore be applied to the extent that is humanly sensible and respectful.
Review Question 6.1
The Quran has not been subjected to any adjustments for many years. In defense, most Islamic leaders feel it should remain the same to avoid alteration that may occur especially during translation. This explains its existence in Arabic today and the need to learn the language before studying the Holy Book. Years back, a critic named Theodor explained the formation of the Quran and attempted to produce a new version which he did together with his students (Armas, 1998). He posed a great challenge to the Arabs for the need to revise the Holy Book and maintain the content. His efforts were widely acknowledged since he produced a review of the Quran as well which made it easier for people to understand and positively interpret the teachings (Montgomery, and Frank, 2006). He also achieves a successful mission which the prophet expected by providing the simpler versions.
Review Question 6.2
The Quran is also meant to give people hints of what is to happen in the future, prophesies. This is also a miraculous aspect where the Muslims can know what to anticipate. For instance, Surah Q. 30: 2-3 talks about the defeat of the Romans which happened after the Quran was written thus had been predicted by the Prophet. It is also viewed as miraculous due to its prediction of the future (Wheeler, 2002). Surah Q. 111 has been debated from the view of whether it is a part of the Quran or not. However, it clearly shows the need for people to stick by the rules of God since punishment and denial of the promises from God will befall those who shift from his teachings. Collection of material wealth will not be beneficial as long as one does not abide by the teachings.
Review Question 6.5
It is clear that most of the texts in the Muslims Holy Book are highly regarded by the muslin community. However, an evident style of narration has been used to convey the messages to the people. This is because besides its religious use, it is also used as a legal guide where morals are concerned. The narratives therefore enable the direct direction concerning what a person should do when faced with any of the circumstances requiring wise solutions. Scholars have also observed that this is more interesting to use. There are uses of examples regarding specific issues which may need to be referred to incase of misunderstandings. It is clear that the purpose of this is to be more effective to the readers to avoid confusion or misinterpretation by those using it.
Works Cited:
Ali Khan, Majid. Muhammad, The Final Messenger. Daawah Academy, 1983. Print.
Armas, Adnin. “Al-Quran and Orientalists” 1998. Web. 31 July, 2010.
Ibn Kathir, Umar, & Mubarakufuri Rahman. Tafsir Ibn Kathir. Riyadh: Darussalam, 2003. Print.
Montgomery, James, E, & Frank Richard. M. Arabic theology, Arabic philosophy : from the many to the one : essays in celebration of Richard M. Frank. Leuven: Peeters, 2006. Print.
Sachedina, Abdulaziz, A. The Prolegomena to the Quran. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. Print.
Wheeler, Brannon. Moses in the Quran and Islamic Exegesis. Routledge, 2002. Print.
Yahya, Harun. Miracles of the Qur’an. Al-Attique Publishers, 2001. Print.