The way to combat the trend towards a global water crisis, says Hanely, is to improve upon sustainably managed water. In the article, this concept is related, “to the way we use, manage, and abuse the fresh water that is regularly replenished by precipitation” (Hanely, 2009). This includes lakes and rivers, not underground aquifers that will take years to replenish themselves. These sustainable or renewable sources must be protected and used wisely. Hanely explains that the proper management of these sources includes the reduction of water use, and the improvement of water treatment to clean what we have. Also, how we obtain and use water should be considered because the use of fossil fuels increases global warming and the water crisis.
The author’s description of sustainably managed water is fairly precise. However, though the use of the word sustainable he implies many additional meanings that do not come across in the rest of the article. The Sustainability Principle is the idea that there is a limit to economic growth. (Beder, 2006) To sustainably manage our water could mean that we decrease economic growth to fit within the limits of what water we have already appropriated. Sustainable management implies that we should put regulations on our water consumption so that it does not exceed what the earth can provide. To implement regulations more research, funding and willingness is required. Sustainably managed water can not arise overnight.
Beyond extra meanings, the concept of sustainability has inherent vagueness. Firstly, it is impossible to totally recycle and reuse a resource. Certainly we can minimize our impact such that the ecosystem will recover, but it will still have been changed through basic wear and tear. Also, questions of how long we responsible for sustainability to last arise. Are we accountable for the rest of our lives, our children’s lives, or the time of humanity on earth? Aquifers although usually considered finite, will replenish themselves over time. It is hard to decide if using these resources is sustainable or not if we know they could run out, but not for a long time if used correctly. Finally, who is responsible for these sustainably managed waters? A global commandment on how to be sustainable can not be made because many unindustrialized countries simply do not have the means to prevent degradation of water.
Sustainability has become one of the key phrases in environmentalism. However to use it correctly requires a very specific definition.
- Amy Adair
Resources
Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies. London: Earthscan, 2006.
Hanely, Paul. canada.com. 10 March 2009. 24 October 2009
I agree that the concept of sustainability is quite ambiguous as it has completely different connotations depending on the situation. I like the question you raised about how long we are responsible for the sustainability of any resource. I think that as long as we are living we should try to do so in a sustainable manner and that passing these ideals on to future generations will helpe ensure the continuity of these values.
ReplyDelete-Elisabeth Shapiro
This blog raises some very important points. The term 'sustainable' is so frequently used, but it is such a broad and generic word that it isn't always the most useful choice. I found your ending especially interesting. In general, when we think about sustainability we don't consider the side effects. We simply think about how much of a resource is left to us. My own opinion is that we are entirely responsible for our actions. I don't think that this responsibility ever dies out, even after we're gone.
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