A fair analysis?

The impacts may be a minor inconvenience to them rather than a life and death situation which it will be for many millions, as sea levels rise and climate shocks occur (Michener et al. 1997).

Given this balance of power and lack of adherence to the precautionary principle then one might argue that our global environment must be in crisis.

super streamlined train with motion blur moves on countryside

'super streamlined train' / Shutterstock

In England and Scotland such trends have translated to the local and regional levels.

On the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Europe's largest windfarm is being promoted by a TNC. The site is on a major peatland carbon sink and area designated with multiple EU conservation designations. Across the Highlands & Islands similar battles are being progressed by local communities concerned by the exploitation of local resources by outside interests seeking high returns and profit from 'free' environmental resources associated with the 'global commons'.

Through the spine of England rural communities and land are under threat from the HS2 transport project. Predicted losses of wildlife, habitat and recreation space are already being opposed by local communities. For example the part of the development running through the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire runs through designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). On another front the UK government has recently completed firming up consultations (BERR 2008) on where TNCs can locate their next nuclear power stations. The development threat on increasingly scarce natural environments in England is increasingly being opposed at the community level where the feeling of the environment being in crisis appears most acute. This activity has a cumulative effect worldwide.

TNC

Trans-National Corporation or Multi-National Company – These are globally operating businesses that span the globe and exploit the opportunities that have emerged from globalisation and increasing free trade agreements.

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carbon sink

A natural store (oceans, forests or peatlands) or indeed artificial reservoir (carbon capture technology) that stores carbon for an indefinite period. For example as global forests absorb CO2 through the process of photosynthesis and emit O2, they are considered to be a carbon sink in so far as they absorb CO2 out of the atmosphere.

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global commons

“The ‘Global Commons’ refers to resource domains or areas that lie outside of the political reach of any one nation State. Thus international law identifies four global commons namely: the High Seas; the Atmosphere; Antarctica; and, Outer Space. These areas have historically been guided by the principle of the common heritage of humankind - the open access doctrine or themare liberum (free sea for everyone) in the case of the High Seas. Despite efforts by governments or individuals to establish property rights or other forms of control over most natural resources, the Global Commons have remained an exception.”

(UNEP n/d)

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