Chapter 15: Peace and Conflict

Although it may not seem like it, peace and conflict does contribute to the topic of the environment. Not only does conflict hurt people mentally and physically but "conflict can be just as hard on the environment.. chemical warfare... can cause direct healthcare problems" (271). To me just the idea of war makes me shiver, especially since I know people personally who risk their lives. If there weren't so much conflict in the world then there wouldn't be so many wars. But at the same time, there really is no way to make everyone in the world agree, especially given the fact that many of the world leaders are the most opinionated people ever.

There is more conflict than just war though. The fact that countries don't get along affects the industries. Everyone knows that most of the products found in the United States are made in China. You'll hear jokes about it all the time. But all those products have to get here somehow and that, unfortunately, includes leaving pollution in the air. Even transporting within the United States leaves pollution. This is why environmentalists so strongly encourage local buying. This includes no only household products but also produce. Food grown locally is some of the best produce that can be used on your dinner table. Imported groceries often go through different levels of chemicals to keep ripeness and taste. Who knows what that tomato has been through.

Yes, this all does go back to peace and conflict. Conflict between leaders causes conflict between people of the countries. Most people believe anything that the government tells them. If the governments can't even come to a compromise then how can we be expected to do the same? How can countries work together to create environmental and social peace if the governments won't let them interact in a friendly way - "negative impacts of violent conflict make it a barrier to improved human security and environmental sustainability" (270).