#Сергеев П. А. Environmental degradation and problems of global economic development

 

 

                                                     Economic Sciences/15. State regulation of economy

 

PhD Sergeev P.A.

Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy

and International Relations, Russia

 

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND PROBLEMS

OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

At the end of the Summit of the G7 in Japan (ISE-SHIMA 2016 G7 SUMMIT), the leaders of the G7 adopted a joint declaration May 27, 2016 and a number of documents, which coordinated their action to ensure global economic growth, formed a common position on combating international terrorism, corruption, as well as to address a number of pressing international problems. Particular attention was focused on the global economy, migration, trade, infrastructure development, health, respect for women's rights, cyber-security, the fight against corruption, climate and energy. And although the list of challenges has been very extensive, and among them there were few items relating to establishing clear benchmarks for the future [1], to ensure the sustainability of the world's development in the context of global climate change.

So, continuing to raise the level of the oceans, growing pollution Wednesday, drought and desertification are complemented by the spread of chronic diseases, the threat of pandemics, climate migration, reducing the capacity of the Office of industrial and transport infrastructure in the growing scale of natural disasters. In many regions of the northern hemisphere winter had (2015/2016), and in some parts of the Arctic February was at 16° c warmer than normal. For example, the temperature of the winter period in the most northerly permanent settlement on the planet (Svalbard, Norway) was on average higher by 10° c, and within 21 days from the December 21, 2015, it was above zero [2].

In turn may 2016 was the warmest ever recorded, when the global average temperature reached + 15.67° c, while the average a similar value for the 20th century amounted to + 14.8° c. For example, in the Russian Arctic (Naryan-Mar) May 23, 2016 the air has warmed to + 27.5° c, while average daily maximum for this time period is +5° c. This warming up in the Midland of Russia still had not been reached! [3]. Very hot weather gradually established and in Western and Eastern Siberia, where JUNE 15, 2016 rose to + 33° c (city Taishet).

It is obvious that the abnormally hot summer is a big problem for modern society, because in addition to the direct damage agricultural production deepened periods of drought, increasing risks of various health problems worsen dramatically human condition of animals and plants. Their habitats are threatened, they can simply disappear (drought, rising temperatures, rising sea levels). Given that the full crop cultivation is 20-30 years, with the breeding of new varieties that are resistant to heat and drought, you just don't have time for such rapid climate change.

In vivo response and moving animals and plants in areas suitable for life just happens quite slowly, and objectively cannot keep up with the changes. And with high level of urbanisation of territories of the northern hemisphere animals and plants to move nowhere. And people there are becoming more of a problem-for example, about May 13, 2016 capital lit up Europe's largest tire dump fire had reached 40% of stored there 70 t [4].

That is, the world is changing at such a high pace that Darwinian natural selection will lead simply to the extinction of species. Such prospects, for example, in Australia, has a mozaičnohvostaâ rat (LAT. Melomus rubicola) and Australian white lemuropodobnyj opossum (Ringtail).   To this is added and the problem of change with the seasons. So, summer in Europe comes on now 10 days earlier than 40 years ago, that leads to premature swelling buds on the trees, the arrival of birds and insects (e.g., spreading to new regions of the locust habitats can significantly undermine their productive capacity in agriculture and related areas of activity).

In addition, violation of the seasonal cycle due to anomalous early heat prevents the annual peremeševaniû water in lakes where oxygen should be on depth. Obviously, this has a negative impact on the livelihoods of large fish, as a result, fisheries. It remains to add that global warming contributes to the growth in the volume and frequency of extreme rainfall (in 2016, for example, France and Australia).

If the regions with a moderate climate increased the heat just creates new problems, then where and it was so hot, extreme temperatures can make them unsuitable for life. This is North Africa, Middle East, India and a number of others. Long periods of abnormal heat (up to +50° c) destroy vegetation, cause forest fires in large areas, lead to desertification and dust storms that destroy the habitual way of life and human habitat Wednesday. So, a prolonged drought in Venezuela has forced the authorities to impose a four-day work week (for two months). Taking into account the high dependence on oil revenues when low commodity prices increasing supply problems of the population in consumer goods (mainly food), mean the risk of destabilization of the political situation.

Mankind may face in the near future not only hunger and epidemics, but also millions of climate refugees, that objectively will be nutritious Wednesday a variety of conflicts, including armed.  In these circumstances, the activities of major importance for national and regional elites, which should be adequate to the growing global threats.  However, this does not happen in many cases. For example, Brussels bureaucrats because before that the people of the United Kingdom expressed in a referendum for secession from the European Union [5].

 

Literature:

1.     Sauga M. G7-Treffen in Ise-Shima: Herbst der Demokraten, 26.05.2016 // URL: www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/...

2.     См.: Глобальное потепление в Северном полушарии перешло «красную черту», 17.03.2016 // URL: https://www.gismeteo.ru/ news/klimat/...

3.     См.: В Нарьян-Маре +27!  24.05.2016 // URL: https://www.gismeteo.ru/ news/klimat/...

1.4. См.: Нестерук Д. В Испании горит самая большая европейская свалка автопокрышек, 13.05.2016 // URL: http://uapress.info/ru/news/print/130739.

5.     Petition EU Referendum Rules triggering a 2nd EU Referendum // URL: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/131215.