Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
1992). Much of the material is complex, written
in the scientific jargon of research reports, but,
perhaps more than any of the other issues, the
greenhouse effect has been treated by the media
in such a way as to stimulate public interest in
the problem. Government organizations have
also published the evidence from the research
reports in a simplified form for media use and
public consumption. The Climate Change Digests
of the Canadian Atmospheric Environment
Service are a good example of this approach. In
addition, private, non-profit organizations—such
as the Climate Institute in the United States—
have been formed to advance public
understanding of the global warming produced
by the enhanced greenhouse effect.
The success of these endeavours is difficult to
measure, as yet, but the public approach is
becoming more common. It reflects the general
consensus in the scientific community that
solutions to current large-scale environmental
problems can only be implemented successfully
if they have a high level of public support, and
that such support is most likely to come from a
public kept well-informed about the nature and
extent of the problems. As the investigation of
global warming enters the decision-making
phase, and solutions involving such elements as
tax increases and lifestyle changes are proposed,
maintaining that public support will become
increasingly important.
of the earth/atmosphere system, represented by
the adjustments required to maintain equilibrium
among the various elements in the environment.
As part of the environment, human beings have
always had the ability to adapt to changing
conditions, and in many cases society has been
shaped by such adaptation. Can society continue
to adjust in the face of the major environmental
changes currently taking place? In the short-term
the answer is a qualified yes. Adjustment is
already under way, and takes many forms. The
abandonment of drought-stricken land is one
form, for example, as is the addition of lime to
acidified lakes. Many individual lifestyle
changes—such as wearing a hat, spending less
time in the sun or using sunscreen lotion to reduce
the impact of higher UV-B levels—are also
adjustments to a changing environment. This type
of approach may be necessary until appropriate
preventative measures are developed, or the full
effects of the solutions can work their way
through the system.
Adaptation often appears attractive because
in the short-term it is a relatively simple and low-
cost approach. With time and continuing
environmental change, however, the cost of
adaptation may eventually exceed the costs of
providing solutions. In theory, adaptation and
the development of preventative measures should
take place in phase so that solutions can be in
place before the cost-effectiveness of adaptation
is lost. In reality, adaptation is a reactive approach
involving little planning or consideration of such
elements as timing and cost-effectiveness. Thus
the impact of adaptive policies is difficult to
predict. However, considering the magnitude of
current environmental problems, it seems likely
that adaptation can only be a temporary measure.
Ultimately, the cumulative effects of the changes
will surpass the ability of society to adjust, and
solutions will have to be found.
As research into global change continues, it
becomes increasingly clear that the only way to
ensure that environmental problems will not
become progressively worse is to reduce and
ultimately halt the processes that cause them.
When considered qualitatively, in the academic
SOLUTIONS
Although there may be individuals and groups
who for various reasons are willing to continue
with the 'do nothing' or 'business-as-usual'
approaches to current global environmental
problems, they are a minority, and the urgent
need to provide solutions is widely accepted.
Given the complexity of the problems being
addressed, it is not surprising that there is no one
approach that satisfies all needs. Most of the
options currently being considered involve either
adaptation or prevention, and sometimes a
combination of the two.
Adaptation in its simplest form is already part
