Germany scored well in recent years on the expansion of renewable energy as well as climate protection. (United Nations 2011) The biggest variable relating to consumerism would be the increase in production of household appliances; cars, electronics, household appliances, computers, phones, etc. (United Nations 2011) Mass manufacturing is a problem that affects the environment and climate change due to the carbon emissions and waste produced from factories creating these products. (United Nations 2011) Most countries that have a high number of consumers are at a higher risk for destroying the environment because they manufacture more goods. In order to minimize this problem, the government should enforce “greener” policies.
There has also been an increase in organic farming in Germany, similar to most countries in the world, which can be detrimental to the environment. According to a study, organic farming takes up more land which means more deforestation. (Nield 2018) Since consumers are gradually gaining interested in a "healthier" lifestyle, there has been a rising demand for organic foods. This can be seen as both a positive and a negative, but with the advancing technology, farmers will likely come to an innovative solution to avoid further damage.
Germany has teamed up with the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, “which is the ministry in charge of coordinating the development of a national CSR strategy.” (United Nations 2011) There are other ministries and federal groups Germany is working with to ensure they carry out these responsibilities. The National High-Tech Strategy and Master Plan on Environmental Technology was developed to start manufacturing innovative environmental technology such as electric cars. Another plan they have started to administer is the Integrated Energy and Climate Package which plans to achieve a 40% reduction in carbon dioxide through different incentives to change building designs and mobility in high traffic areas. Lastly, one other plan Germany has enforced is the Sustainability and Consumer Policy which includes educating consumers on information covering food, agriculture, and other related topics. (United Nations 2011)
Nield, D. (2018). New Paper Shows How Much Worse Organic Farming Can Be For The Climate. Retrieved from https://www.sciencealert.com/new-study-shows-how-organic-farming-takes-its-toll-on-the-environment
United Nations. (2011). THE TEN YEAR FRAMEWORK OF PROGRAMMES ON SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS. Retrieved from https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/dsd/dsd_aofw_ni/ni_pdfs/NationalReports/germany/scp.pdf
United Nations. (2020). Sustainable consumption and production. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-consumption-production/
United Nations. (2011). THE TEN YEAR FRAMEWORK OF PROGRAMMES ON SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS. Retrieved from https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/dsd/dsd_aofw_ni/ni_pdfs/NationalReports/germany/scp.pdf
United Nations. (2020). Sustainable consumption and production. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-consumption-production/
Love the background. One thing that made me a little confused is about organic farming. Sorry, but I would much rather eat organic produce than GMO's. That's crazy to me that they would not have that benefit which will lead to health issues down the road. I personally think that is one main issue here in the U.S, all processed food. Anyway, good read.
ReplyDeleteSurely, organic farming is at rise especially in developed countries like Germany for which deforestation can also become a problem. In my opinion, population control can be one of the factor to help resolve this problem in long term. Short term solution is to go with the use of appliances that makes use of Eco-friendly resources.
ReplyDeleteI think that by reducing the consumption and usage of energy through regulating the production of cars will greatly reduce carbon emission and will lower the chances of carbon footprints globally. Recycling and helping to sustain renewable energy will be extremely beneficial for the planet as well as help with the greenhouse emissions that contribute to climate change as well. The idea that Germany as with replacing normal cars to electric operating cars is similar to what Elon Musk is doing with Tesla and I believe this is more beneficial to the planet and will help conserve the unnecessary release of carbon into the atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteEssentially, going "green" is the ultimate goal here. As you stated, the government should enforce "greener" polices. In doing so, this will help protect the environment against evolution. We will continue to evolve in all aspects but we could use that for good as well. Sky scrapers aren't necessary, electric cars should be the new norm, and organic foods should have easier access. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved the customization of your website and I believe your topic is important and relevant. But I will say I can hardly read the small font on the page. Despite that Germany is on the right track with the idea of replacing cars with electric ones!
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