Superpowers - The Environment

Demands:
  • SP demands lots of resources e.g food, fossil fuels and minerals like metal. Ecological footprint is very high.
  • China is consuming fossil fuels on a huge scale. MEDCs & NICs need/use large amounts of iron and steel for transport
  • China emits 26%, whilst USA 14%.
  • SP contribute heavily to resource use and environmental problems. China is very polluted has and has polluted air and water.
Willingness & Attitudes:
  • SPs have a low attitude and willingness to act to reduce carbon emissions and overcome other environmental issues between countries
  • USA, China and Russia have been wary to sign agreements that limit greenhouse gas emissions due to concern over it limiting economic development
  • China, USA and Russia have large FF reserves and want to use them for energy security and industry.
  • EU has been better at becoming greener (less FF reserves). EU have led the way in reducing emissions.
Resource Consumption:
  • The BRIC will use more resources as GDP rises and people get richer and more middle class. Life styles will improve, consumerism grows and more water and energy security is needed as well as food and raw materials.
Country:
Problems With Consumption Increases:
Brazil:
 Deforestation of the Amazon. Forest fires and drought
Russia:
 Oil spills and pollution in Russia.
India:
 Huge amounts of poverty, air pollution in Delhi. Lack of resources for electronics.
China:
 300 million rise from poverty to middle class. Fast food diets increase and more meat consumed. Yangtze polluted. More floods and storms

Summary:
  • Global resource consumption is unsustainable and as emerging powers develop, they will use up more natural resources and degrade the environment.
  • China will contribute the most damage to air and water and global warming
  • Brazil most will be lost of rainforests and species.
  • USA and EU are not doing enough to reduce impacts.
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