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Sustainable Development and the Deterrence of Global Warming
Sustainable development is a reference to the use of the world's resources in an
appropriate manner so as to sustain the current needs, but also to address the future needs
of subsequent generations. Thus, it considers a worldly and adequate appropriation of
resources - not in excess or scantiness - relative to global demands and populations. With
this in mind, it is relatable to the international struggle against global warming and the
impending difficulties of the next generations.
Pragmatism and reality must guide the world’s deliberation as a unified state –
therefore, to consider severe, immediate reductions in crude oil consumption is
nonsensical and devoid of consciousness on secondary responses. This is considered on
the current blame of fossil fuel consumption on the effects of global warming. Yes, they
are a great point of contention, but to completely restrict their use would be resultant in
irreparable economic damage. Chile currently produces 10,850 barrels per day, while
consuming 277,000 barrels per day (CIA World Fact Book). This amounts to a net of
-266,150 barrels per day. As of March 6, 2011, the price of crude oil was $104.91 per
barrel (oil-price.net). Quantifying these values, results in an amount equal to a payment
of $27,921,796.50 per day for the nation of Chile. The population of Chile is currently
16,888,760 and the average income per capita is (U.S) $8,350.00 (Univ. of Calif., San.
Fran.). In compilation of population and net expense on crude oil, it amounts to an
average of (U.S.) $603.45 per year per individual to pay for the fuel. Yet, a per capita
basis considers everyone in the nation (not just the working peoples); therefore, it would
be faulted to compare it to the average income of (U.S.) $8,350.00, due to the fact that
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not every individual (per capita) is receiving this amount in wages. Thus, it would be
appropriate to consider the working class individuals – in a possible age range from 1564 years old – which is in the amount of 68.1% of the Chilean population (CIA Fact
Book). If, then, we commit the expense of gasoline to those earning wages it would
result in a reduction of (U.S.) $886.12 from the (U.S.) $8,350.00 income of those who
work ($27,921,796.50 divided by (0.681 X Chile’s population)), which amounts to over
10% of their income. In summation of this point, if the world deliberates to impose any
drastic action on the consumption of crude oil, resulting in the severe price influx, then
the impact will be felt through every social tier of this nation. It is expectable that other
nations will have similar responses. Therefore, alternative and gradual considerations
must be implemented to curb the current dependence on global warming – which is
possible in sustainable development.
It is obvious that the world has not taken heed to the general threat of global
warming and has continued on a path that is less than opportune. Therefore, it may be
best to consider a unified initiative rather than waiting for an individual nation to take the
lead. As of 2007, the world consumed 85,085,664 bbl/day (nationmaster.com). Now, in
consideration of the current economic crisis, it would be inappropriate to ask for any
direct contribution, because it may push the already precarious fiscal situation further. It
would, then, be agreeable to appropriate a much smaller, but still significant number, to
the use of crude oil – proportional to national use. This numerical assignment may be set
at (U.S.) $ 0.10 per barrel consumed. If we match this amount to the daily oil
consumption, it would be about (U.S.) $8,508,566.40 each day. Though this may initially
seem small to the magnitude of the problem, this amount in a year will amass to a
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Dylan Pozorski – Chile Rep.
quantity of $3,105,626,736.00 in a year. This amount should be a slight inconvenience to
the participant nations – abrasive for the point of change, but accessible to innovative and
modern institutions for the point of positive change. Furthermore, these funds should be
amassed in a distinct account for the sole use in sustainable development. (If the 10 cent
additive is not enough to provide for the stimulation of a fair amount of funds, then it
may be increased slightly without drastic economic impact. The $0.10 amount was just
an example revenue)
The discretion of how these monies will be divided must be considered through a
general consensus and deliberation. It is the position of Chile, though, to have the monies
distributed to universities, on an international basis, to perform research in necessary
fields to prevent the antagonistic struggles of tomorrow, which are rooted in the fallacy of
yesterday. This action is based on the logic that it will give students the opportunity to
incline their ideas (often, the most innovative) upon the world, universities would provide
an unbiased launching point for research, they already are largely facilitated to perform
these obligations, and those who at universities will be the next generation in
governmental positions.
Now, up until this point, no singular goal has been the fixative of discussion;
rather, what has been said is a means to accommodate this change. However, until this
point in time, no great breakthroughs have been made in sustainable development, which
are noteworthy enough – simply, because this discussion would not have to have been
made if said developments had already been made. Thus, it must be the innovation of
subsequent generations to provide this spark of thought and prove the perseverance of
society. Now, any policy in the matter must delegated when sufficient data has been
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collected and technological proficiency attained.