Sustainable economic development

Introduction to Sustainable Economic Development

• Definition: Sustainable economic development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Key Components:
  1. Environmental Protection: Preserving ecosystems and biodiversity.
  2. Economic Viability: Supporting long-term economic growth.
  3. Social Equity: Ensuring benefits are distributed fairly.

Case Studies of Sustainable Economic Development

Case Study 1: Waste Disposal in Cork City

Background:

• Cork City Council manages waste for 43,000+ households, with each household producing 1 tonne of waste annually.

• Waste collection costs: €4.5 million per annum. Measures Taken:

• 2005: Introduction of pay-per-bin schemes and free recycling bags.

• Result:

• 50% decrease in waste collected since 2005.

• €1 million saved on waste collection costs.

• Extended lifespan of the Kinsale Road landfill by two years. Challenges:

• Kinsale Road landfill closure requires a shift to the Rossmore landfill or alternative solutions like incineration.

Case Study 2: Corrib Gas Terminal, Mayo

Background:

• Corrib Gas Field: Located 70 km offshore, supplying 60% of Ireland's gas needs for 20 years.
• Developed by Shell, Statoil, and Marathon with a €900 million investment. Conflicts:

4. Safety Concerns:

• Proposed pipeline was only 70m from homes (international guidelines recommend 750m).

5. Environmental Impact:

• Disturbance of peatlands and risk of landslides.

6. Economic Equity:

• Local community argued that the economic benefits would primarily go to foreign companies.
• Resolutions:
  • Pipeline rerouted; community received a €1.3 million fund.
  • EPA imposed 85 strict conditions to ensure safety and environmental protection.

Case Study 3: Deforestation in the Amazon

• Background:
  • The Amazon Rainforest contains 40% of the world's tropical rainforests and serves as a crucial carbon sink.
  • Brazil's Avanca Brasil Plan (2001): A $40 billion initiative to build roads, hydroelectric dams, and mines.
• Conflicts: 7. Environmental Impact:
  • Scientists predict that 42% of the Amazon will be deforested or degraded within 20 years.
  • Loss of biodiversity and increased carbon emissions.
  8. Economic Pressure:
  • Brazil argues development is necessary to lift its population out of poverty.
• Solutions:
  • International pressure led to the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) before projects could proceed.

Past Experiences in Sustainable Development

• Kyoto Protocol (1997):
  • A global agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • 141 countries committed to reducing emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels.
  • Challenges:
  • Some major emitters, like the USA, did not ratify.
  • Ireland exceeded its emissions target by 10% by 2007.
• Rio Earth Summit (1992):
  • Adopted Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan for sustainable development.
  • Emphasised trade liberalisation to promote sustainable economic growth.

Future Prospects in Sustainable Development

Renewable Energy

• Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is crucial.
  • Wind Power: Offshore and onshore projects are expanding globally.
  • Solar Energy: Increasingly cost-effective due to technological advancements.

Circular Economy

• Aims to minimise waste by reusing and recycling materials.
• Example: Pay-per-bin schemes in Cork City.

International Cooperation

• Agreements like the Paris Accord (2015) emphasise collective action to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Necessity of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

• Definition: An EIA evaluates the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project before decisions are made.
• Steps in an EIA: 9. Scoping: Identify key environmental issues. 10. Impact Analysis: Assess the severity of impacts. 11. Mitigation Measures: Propose solutions to minimise harm. 12. Reporting: Present findings to decision-makers.
• Benefits:
  • Ensures sustainable use of resources.
  • Prevents long-term environmental degradation.
  • Engages stakeholders in decision-making.

Key Challenges in Achieving Sustainability

• Economic Pressure: Developing countries often prioritise economic growth over environmental protection.
• Global Inequality: Wealthier nations consume a disproportionate share of resources.
• Policy Gaps: Lack of enforcement of environmental regulations in some regions.