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Conflicts of Interest Examine how conflict can arise between local interests and global interests when a resource is exploited for economic reasons - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2010
Question C
Conflicts of Interest Examine how conflict can arise between local interests and global interests when a resource is exploited for economic reasons. In your answer ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Conflicts of Interest Examine how conflict can arise between local interests and global interests when a resource is exploited for economic reasons - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2010
Step 1
Conflict identified
Answer
A common conflict arises when local communities seek to preserve their environment and cultural heritage while global corporations aim to exploit natural resources for profit. This often leads to tensions between the needs of the local population and the desires of outside entities.
Step 2
Step 3
Reference to one example
Answer
An example of this conflict can be seen in the case of the Nestlé water bottling operations in California. Local communities have struggled against the extraction of water for commercial bottling, arguing that it depletes their water supply, particularly during times of drought.
Step 4
Examination
Answer
This conflict showcases several dimensions:
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Local Interests: Residents depend on the local water supply for drinking, agriculture, and sustaining their livelihoods. The extraction of large quantities by corporations has raised concerns about water availability.
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Economic Interests: From a global perspective, companies like Nestlé capitalize on valuable resources, generating profits that contribute to their shareholders and broader economic interests.
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Environmental Concerns: Continuous extraction can lead to depletion of aquifers, affecting not only local communities but also surrounding ecosystems.
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Social Justice Issues: The decisions made by corporations often overlook the voices of local populations, sparking protests and legal battles that highlight disparities in power dynamics.
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Long-term Consequences: The extraction process can lead to irreversible changes to the local environment, prompting discussions about sustainable practices that can balance both local and global needs.
In examining this example, it is clear that conflicts of interest are multi-faceted and demonstrate the challenges of resource management in a globalized world.