Green economy, environmental law, social justice, globalisation, sustainable development, mining industry, local communities
Instructions :
Why is mining such a good illustration of the tensions between globalisation and sustainable development? On the basis of the information provided specifically concerning the mining industry, identify how globalisation can result in conflicts with local communities, and how such conflicts might be avoided in the future.
[...] Environmental Law and Social Justice - Mining and Tensions Between Globalisation and Sustainable Development Mining raises questions about access of resources, distribution of revenues and disposal of waste. Indeed, as from the mid-1980s, environment emerged as a core strategic issue for the mining industry. Notably, technologies are not equally distributed. As well, public policies may differ between countries, and some stakeholders may choose to favor capturing benefits at the cost of resource development; structural political economy; and cultural studies. Contested terrain, Mining and the Environment Gavin Bridge, Department of Geography, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13214 According to this research conducted by Gavin Bridge, key environmental issues facing the mining industry today are resource access and increasing ratio of wastes to metal. [...]
[...] They underline that mining sector provides contrary experiences to those in the developed world, notably over the last 15-20 years where reform has not solved the problem of chronic public-sector debt, poverty and socioeconomic. It is interesting to have in mind when reading the article that policy factors worked in different ways in different countries. As an example, oil-rich countries with a high degree of caloric sufficiency (e.g. in the Middle East and North Africa) are able to reduce faster child mortality faster that oil-rich countries with a low degree of caloric sufficiency (e.g. [...]
[...] In his thesis, he denounce limited governmental intervention and calls for itensified coordination of efforts of international agencies, and assessment and attribution of compensation packages to impacted communities. This view however may struggle with reality : mining industries aim to make money, and in the absence of strong local regulation, they would not accept to pay compensation. Then, whou should pay, while governments are already struggling with local issues other than environment, and sometime far more straining (child death, failing sanitation, etc.). [...]
[...] Forst, the World Bank intend to cease to support coal mining, phase out financing for oil projects by 2008, and require respectful processes from mining companies toward communities and groups affected by their projects. Real steps were taken by the organization ; for example the development of the Implementing Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Project for Dominican Republic. The EITI project aim to enhance transparency and accountability in mining industries. Extr. Ind. Rev Striking a better balance. Final Rep. Extr. [...]
APA Style reference
For your bibliographyOnline reading
with our online readerContent validated
by our reading committee