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'Transnational corporations (TNCs) care far more about their own profits than the environmental impacts of their activities.' With reference to energy production and distribution, how far do you agree with this statement? - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 5
'Transnational corporations (TNCs) care far more about their own profits than the environmental impacts of their activities.' With reference to energy production a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Transnational corporations (TNCs) care far more about their own profits than the environmental impacts of their activities.' With reference to energy production and distribution, how far do you agree with this statement? - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Evaluate TNCs' Focus on Profits
Answer
Transnational corporations (TNCs) often prioritize profit maximization over environmental considerations. This view is particularly salient in the energy sector, where cost savings can lead to environmentally detrimental practices. For instance, companies like BP and Shell have been involved in controversies regarding oil spills that highlight this issue. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill, operated by BP, serves as a critical example where profit motives overshadowed safety protocols, resulting in significant ecological damage.
Step 2
Examine Energy Production Practices
Answer
Energy production often involves practices that exploit natural resources with little regard for environmental sustainability. For example, in the extraction of fossil fuels, TNCs are known to engage in practices such as hydraulic fracturing, which can lead to groundwater contamination and habitat destruction. These companies often cut corners to reduce costs and maximize profits, which perpetuates environmental degradation.
Step 3
Discuss TNCs' Role in Policy Making
Answer
Furthermore, TNCs frequently engage in lobbying efforts to shape policies that favor their business interests. This often results in weaker regulations regarding environmental protection. In many cases, TNCs can leverage their economic power to influence governmental policies, leading to inadequate environmental safeguards that prioritize corporate interests over ecological health. This indicates a systemic issue where profit motives directly conflict with sustainable practices.
Step 4
Analyze Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Answer
While some TNCs claim to adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that aim to mitigate their environmental impact, these efforts are often seen as insufficient or merely a marketing strategy. True commitment to environmental stewardship would require a shift in how TNCs measure success, including the incorporation of environmental metrics into their profit calculations. Therefore, the effectiveness of CSR initiatives remains highly debatable.
Step 5
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, there is substantial evidence to support the assertion that TNCs prioritize their profits significantly over the environmental implications of their activities. The energy sector exemplifies this dichotomy where the urgency for profit leads to the neglect of ecological responsibility. To achieve a sustainable future, TNCs must reconcile their profit-driven motives with genuine environmental stewardship.