New Zealand Water Crisis

The blog “The Politics of Water” by Russel Normans discusses the critical freshwater management of New Zealand. He refers to the precautionary principle, not being used when it should be. In the book “Environmental Principles and Policies” by Sharon Beder it defines the precautionary principle as “morally unacceptable harm that is scientifically plausible but uncertain, actions shall be taken to avoid or diminish that harm.”(Sharon, 2006) This book also provides examples of unacceptable harm, such as “threatening human health, inequitable to present and future generations, and lack of consideration of the human rights of those affected.”(Sharon, 2006). For these reasons I will defend Russel Normans view of precautionary thinking towards this case.

When scientific evidence is not completely actuate, I believe the government should not stand around and wait for sound and valid evidence. This is known as the “wait and see approach”(Sharon, 2008). Instead the government should just have a convincing case, that may or may not be supported by scientific evidence. In a case that will provide health and safety to all. Such as in Norman’s blog, he refers to the the New Zealand “failed governance system” (Norman, 2009) because they fail to see the first level causes of New Zealand water crisis such as, “increased pollution flows intro freshwater bodies from agriculture, horticulture and sewerage.” (Norman, 2009). Scientific evidence is not needed to prove that this water is polluted, which means the government is better off to act on the problem of water crisis because it is better to be safe then sorry. Even if there is no real evidence, they need to realize that fresh water is important aspect of live, and also important aspect to maintain there economy. The New Zealand Government need to realize “the economic future of the country is dependent on successful environmental management.” (Norman, 2009).

Resources:

Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies An Interdisciplinary Introduction. Minneapolis: Earthscan Publications Ltd., 2006. Print.

Norman, Russel. "The politics of water." Web log post. Frogblog. Frogblog, 9 June 2009. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. <http://blog.greens.org.nz/2009/06/09/the-politics-of-water/>.

Kendra Bester