Lifting the Black Cloud:

Conclusion

 

 A black cloud hovers over the ancient city of the pharaohs, poisoning the air for its 14 million residents.  From eroding celebrated monuments to causing a plethora of illnesses, Cairo has suffered greatly from its air pollution.  How much longer will it stay there?  The question of how to most effectively reduce this pollution remains unanswered for Cairo and other megacities in developing countries. Yet some solutions have been found. By studying different environmental policies that have been successfully implemented by Cairo and other megacities, perhaps we can develop a global solution for or a set of principles of general applicability that can be achieved for what is ultimately a universal affliction.

Although ambient levels of air pollution are still high in Bangkok, they were able to  significantly reduce concentrations of carbon monoxide (by 50%) and lead (by 80%) since 1993. Other success stories that we have recently learned about include the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and its brokering of the Montreal Protocol and the work that is continuing to be done by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its efforts to understand and combat global warming. After careful examination of these initiatives, we believe that the two most important fundamentals to underscore any environmental program should be 1)economics and 2)the dissemination of information.

 

 ECONOMICS

 

Since the advent of free-market economics, and especially in this age of globalization, economics and environmental consciousness have been at odds: Producers make their products at the lowest possible monetary cost, regardless of how much their grandchildren may have to pay for their indiscretion. Will this always be true? We can await the coming of an environmentally-conscious global messiah to change the nature of modern economics, or we can accept the ways of economics and work within our means toward uncertain, but less destructive ends.

 

 Industry

In the case of the discovery of ozone depleting Chlorofluorocarbons, it was critical that industries were provided with economical incentives to create an alternative to CFCs. It is imperative that we provide economic incentives to today’s industries so that scientific research and the development of new technology can continue for more energy efficient technology. Furthermore, as with all scientific data, these innovations should be shared with other nations, not only for their immediate benefit, but also so that further refinements and improvements can be made to existing technology.

The individual economies of developing countries must not be overlooked.  Developed nations should continue to provide aid for environmental programs but must also keep in mind that it may be difficult for governments to enact laws with burdensome consequences on the population.  Assisting these countries in stimulating their economies while simultaneously developing environmental programs might be more effective.

 

 Environmentalism as Growth Industry in Egypt

The overall environmental technologies and services market in Egypt was estimated at US $680 million in 1998. This market is growing at an estimated 10 percent per year and is expected to sustain growth over the next five years. Municipal water supply and wastewater treatment (contaminated water being the Number Two environmental issue in this country) constitute the largest, and fastest growing market segment at an estimated US $480 million. Environmental consulting (at US $60 million in 1998), hazardous waste (at $30 million), and stationary air pollution control (at $25 million) are also attractive sectors for U.S. exporters.

 

 DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION

 

 Perhaps true momentum in curbing air pollution in Cairo will not take place until an awareness and understanding of the “big-picture” environmental issues can be imparted on Egyptian people.  How do you disseminate information? For Cairo, town hall meetings and forum groups could be developed and held in the bazaar areas of the city, the epicenters of social dialogue and information-sharing in Egypt. It is crucial that the people of Cairo understand the effects of the pollution surrounding them, for many complain of the dirt and dust without really understanding its health implications.  Furthermore, the Egyptian people should not be afraid to confront industries or their government if they feel that current environmental policies are inadequate.  Access to information is often taken for granted in developed nations, but unfortunately it is not often attained by the majority of residents in some third world countries.

 

 CONCLUSION

 

Establishing the “right” environmental policy is a very difficult task.  As we learned in the study of Cairo, each country must be analyzed separately. Cairo’s climate and desert dust should be taken into consideration when placing restrictions on emissions (perhaps by instituting stricter guidelines to coincide with specific climate forces).  A strengthened economy and an enlightened populace enhances environmental agendas, as in the case of Bangkok, Thailand. Faced with the knowledge that Megacities  are on the rise, perhaps the best environmental policy to adopt is one of prevention, the least expensive way to reduce air pollution.