Environmental Issues

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Dec 6, 2023

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Daniella, Micheal, Jay & Suryansh Environmental Issues - Societal Overview (Daniella) ● Environmental issues are a significant concern globally, affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and well being of human societies ● Climate Change: climate change is driven by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide from human activities burning fossil fuels. Which all leads to rising global temperatures, sea levels rising, and extreme weather events ● Deforestation: Clearing of forests for agriculture, and urban development contributes to loss of habitat, and disrupts ecosystems. Deforestation releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere ● Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution have effects on human health and the environment. Industrial activities, agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, and plastic pollution contribute to degradation of ecosystems and the decline of wildlife ● Air Quality: Urbanization and industrial activities contribute to poor air quality, with serious health implications for human populations. Emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities release pollutants that can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues How Environmental Issues Lead to Conﬂict? (Jay) ● Environmental issues lead to conflict when topics related to land use, natural resource management, and laws and regulation arise (Glasberg, 2022). For example: ● Politics and the public play a role as politicians are usually divided on what they believe are serious matters. The public is to vote, but regardless, some of these issues are never resolved by the politicians. ● In Ontario, Doug Ford faced heavy criticism for wanting to construct homes in the green belt (Staff, 2023). Highway 413 is another issue, it would run through Caledon and go through farming areas (Crawley, 2022). ● Issues also arise when the public forms groups and associations that take things a bit extreme. For example, a recent video of a climate activist throwing paint on various paintings displayed in a Canadian Gallery has resulted in some interesting reactions, (Baxter, 2023). How do these Conﬂicts Manifest? (Suryansh) ● Environmental issues conflicts can manifest in various ways, reflecting the complexity and diversity of environmental challenges. These conflicts often arise from competing interests, differing values, resource scarcity, and the impact of human activities on the environment. ● Resource Use and Allocation- Competition for scarce resources, such as water, land, and minerals, can lead to conflicts among various stakeholders, including communities, industries, and governments. ● Pollution and Contamination- Disputes may arise over the release of pollutants and contaminants into air, water, and soil.

Daniella, Micheal, Jay & Suryansh ● Land Use and Development- Conflicts can emerge over land-use planning, urban development, and infrastructure projects. Environmental conservationists may clash with developers and policymakers over the preservation of ecosystems and natural habitats. ● Biodiversity Conservation- Conflicts can arise over the conservation of biodiversity and protection of endangered species. Conservation efforts may clash with economic activities such as logging, agriculture, or infrastructure development. Conﬂict Resolution or Mediation Strategies? (Michael L) Managing complicated conflicts among numerous parties with opposing interests Is frequently required while addressing social environmental challenges. Here are some dispute resolution tactics and approaches for dealing with environmental issues: 1. Involve individuals in a collaborative problem-solving process to discover common goals and solutions. To enhance understanding and collaboration, facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues, seminars, or roundtable discussions. 2. Legal Structures and Regulations: To guide behaviour and settle conflicts, establish and enforce rules and regulations. To define boundaries and promote compliance, develop and execute clear environmental policies, laws, and legal frameworks. 3. Corporate Responsibility: Encourage enterprises to accept responsibility for their environmental effect and to engage in environmentally friendly practices.Collaborate with businesses to establish environmentally responsible policies and practices, and recognise and reward enterprises who make a beneficial contribution. 4. Scientific and Technology Solutions: To develop new solutions to environmental concerns, rely on scientific research as well as technical knowledge. Invest in research and development, and work with scientists and professionals to discover long-term solutions. 5. Ecosystem-Based Methodologies: Concentrate on holistic, ecosystem-based methods that take into account the interdependence of environmental systems. Implement tactics that include the larger ecosystem and seek to preserve or restore ecological equilibrium. Questions ● How can we improve waste management practices to reduce environmental impact? ● How do you think climate change is currently impacting our daily lives and communities? (Daniella) ● Do you believe that some forms of protesting result in negative impacts and overall discouragement? (Jay) ● Do you believe nuclear energy is a better solution than other forms of energy and fuel? How would the potential use (or non-use) of it cause more issues? (Jay) ● Do you think Canada's current federal carbon tax has actually resolved major climate change issues, or is it perhaps a tax grab for the government to lower inflation? (Michael) ● How can individuals and communities contribute to mitigating climate change? ● What are the primary contributors to climate change, and how do they impact the environment? (Suryansh)

Daniella, Micheal, Jay & Suryansh RESOURCES (DANIELLA) Robinson, D. (2023) The biggest environmental problems of 2021 , Earth.Org . Available at: https://earth.org/the-biggest-environmental-problems-of-our-lifetime/ (Accessed: 11 November 2023). (JAY) Baxter, D. (2023, August 29). Climate protester throws paint on Tom Thomson art at Canadian gallery . Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/9926267/climate-protest-tom-thomson-northern-rivers/ Crawley, M. (2022, March 19). High-profile Ontarians demand halt to Highway 413, as election nears. CBC . https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/highway-413-open-letter-to-doug-ford-1.6389569 Glasberg, E. (2022, February 22). As environmental conflicts increase, how can they be managed? Columbia News. https://news.columbia.edu/news/environmental-conflicts-increase-how-can-they-be-managed#:~:t ext=Conflicts%20frequently%20arise%20over%20environmental,interests%20and%20values%2 0among%20stakeholders. Staff, G. (2023, September 21). The Ontario Greenbelt controversy, Doug Ford’s role and what has happened so far. The Globe and Mail . https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-greenbelt-land-development-housing-controversy/ (MICHEAL) Atalla, G., Mills, M., & McQueen, J. (2022, May 13). Six ways that governments can drive the green transition . EY. https://www.ey.com/en_gl/government-public-sector/six-ways-that-governments-can-drive-the-g reen-transition Canada, S. (2022, July 7). Government of Canada . Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-pl an-overview/actions-healthy-environment-economy.html College, U. (2023, April 20). Brainstorming ways to solve environmental problems? 5 simple ways you can help . Unity Environmental University. https://unity.edu/sustainability/ways-to-solve-environmental-problems/ (SURYANASH)- Bell, J. K. (n.d.). Environmental challenges . Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada. https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/article/environmental-challenges/ Environmental challenges . TotalEnergies.com. (n.d.). https://totalenergies.com/sustainability/environment/environment-challenges

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