Environment vs Economics

The debate between economic value and environmental protection has arisen countless times. It has emerged recently as a result of China's enhanced research and expeditions of the deep ocean. According to Michael Sheridan, China is currently engaging in and researching deep sea drilling and has become the world leaders in exploiting the riches of the sea bed. The aim of these expeditions is to tap into "untold reserves of gold, silver, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt and rare elements used in electronics". Acquiring these materials and claiming areas of the seabed(which itself is poses difficulties) would be highly prosperous for China.

However, with this new economic venture comes many environmental issues. Environmentalists and marine biologists fear that this deep sea drilling will have a huge impact on marine life. Only in recent years have marine biologists began exploring deep ocean seabeds and new species are constantly being discovered. Many believe that delicate ecosystems will be destroyed if excavation of the ocean floor continues. Tao Chunhui, a chief Chinese scientist, recently spoke of a voyage in which more than 40 undersea quakes were set off and 10.382 explosions on a scale seldom seen in world history were detonated. Western countries currently have barriers in place to prevent deep sea expeditions for environmental reasons but this is seen by certain governments(incl. the Chinese government) as a way to occupy more of the seabed.

When considering a problem like this it is important to weigh the costs and benefits. The preferable way would be to strike a balance somehow considering both environmental and economic aspects. This is rarely possible. The natural environment is often exploited for economic gain as seen in the past; overuse of fossil fuels, hunting, over-cropping and so forth. The economic gain often blinds people of the consequences. However, the Green Movement has brought many issues to the fore and environmental sustainability is now a major issue. Economically viable forms of energy production are now being practiced. In Ireland, there is now an emphasis being placed on wind-energy especially wind farms and this is a lucrative project with continuous demand for these products being forecast.

In relation to the seabed drilling, more time must be given to researchers and marine biologists to determine which areas need to be protected and in which areas, if any, drilling can be practiced.