Environmental Impact (Leaving Cert Geography): Revision Notes

Conflicts between local and global economic interests

Introduction: Local vs Global Economic and Environmental Interests

• Definition: Conflicts arise when global economic activities, such as resource extraction or infrastructure projects, impact local communities and the environment.
• Key Causes of Conflict:
  • Misalignment of priorities between global corporations, local populations, and environmental stakeholders.
  • Environmental degradation versus economic development needs.

Irish Case Study: The Mayo Gas Terminal (Corrib Gas Field)

Background

• The Corrib Gas Field: Located 70 km off the Mayo coast, estimated to supply 60% of Ireland's gas needs for 20 years.
• Owned by a consortium led by Shell, with a €900 million investment in the project.
• Gas is to be pumped ashore near Rossport and processed at the Bellanaboy terminal.

Economic Benefits

• Creation of 500 construction jobs during development and 50 permanent jobs once operational.
• Reduces Ireland's dependence on imported gas, saving costs.

Conflicts and Concerns

1. Local Safety:

• The high-pressure pipeline is only 70m from homes, far below the international guideline of 750m.
• Risk of accidents and explosions near residences.

2. Environmental Impact:

• Excavation of peat for the terminal raised concerns about landslides.
• Potential destruction of natural habitats.

3. Equity Issues:

• Locals argued that benefits would largely go to foreign corporations rather than the Irish public.
• Criticism of the government for granting licences to MNCs instead of prioritising national interests.

Protests and Legal Action

• The Rossport Five: Local landowners gaoled in 2005 for blocking site access, highlighting the community's resistance.
• Picketing, court battles, and violent clashes ensued.

Resolutions Attempted

• Pipeline Rerouting: Shell offered to modify the route and established a €1.3 million Community Fund.
• EPA Licence (2007): Granted under strict conditions (85 in total) to protect local health and the environment.
• Despite efforts, the conflict caused lasting divisions within the community.

International Case Study: Deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest

Background

• The Amazon Rainforest:
  • Covers 40% of the world's remaining tropical rainforests.
  • Vital for maintaining biodiversity, global climate, and the water cycle.
  • Acts as a global carbon sink, absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere.
• The rainforest also sustains local tribes, prevents soil erosion, and is a resource for medicinal plants.

Economic Development: Advance Brazil Plan (2001)

• A $40 billion development plan by the Brazilian government.
• Includes:
  • 10,000 km of roads, hydroelectric dams, reservoirs, mines, oil and gas fields, and logging concessions.
  • Aimed to industrialise and boost Brazil's economy, reducing reliance on imported energy and increasing exports.

Conflicts and Concerns

1. Environmental Impact:

• Satellite imaging predicts that 42% of the Amazon could be deforested within 20 years.
• Less than 5% of the forest may remain undisturbed.
• Global warming risk due to loss of the carbon sink.

2. Local and Global Impact:

• Indigenous tribes face displacement and loss of livelihoods.
• Increased soil erosion, flooding, and biodiversity loss.
• Potential destruction of undiscovered medicinal plants.

3. Global Criticism:

• The rainforest is often referred to as the "lungs of the world."
• International outcry highlights the ethical responsibility of Brazil to preserve the forest for global benefit.

Future Outlook

• Efforts by local and international groups:
  • Environmental impact assessments and protests by local communities and global organisations.
  • Criticism of the plan's potential to create long-term poverty by damaging local ecosystems.
• The plan has been scaled back in some areas, but pressures to exploit resources remain.

Key Themes in Local vs Global Conflicts

Economic Priorities vs Environmental Protection

• Global corporations often prioritise profits over local environmental and social concerns.
• Economic development projects, like resource extraction, can lead to environmental degradation.

Equity and Justice

• Locals often feel excluded from the benefits of global economic projects.
• Governments may prioritise foreign investment over community well-being.

Long-Term Sustainability

• Short-term economic gains are often prioritised over long-term environmental sustainability.
• The global community increasingly demands environmentally responsible development practices.

Comparison of the Case Studies

Aspect	Mayo Gas Terminal	Amazon Rainforest
Key Conflict	Local safety, resource equity	Environmental destruction, global warming
Economic Benefits	Local jobs, reduced gas imports	Industrialisation, energy independence
Environmental Impact	Habitat destruction, peatland disturbance	Deforestation, biodiversity loss
Local Protests	Picketing, Rossport Five	Indigenous tribes, international NGOs
Global Significance	Limited to Ireland	Global climate and biodiversity