Alessandro Pirrone

Ecological Policy Handbook - Vol. I Alessandro Pirrone

Scale problems refer to the threats posed by economic activities to global life support systems such as the atmospheric ozone layer's protection against ultraviolet radiation, and the carbon cycle's provision of climate stability. Human economic activities are now threatening these natural systems at both the local and global levels for the first time in the history of the planet. Scale problems are caused by the physical size of the global economy; the sheer volume and toxicity of the mass of physical materials that are moved or transformed in normal economic production cycles are disrupting the ecosystems that provide global life support services. The physical size of the global economy continues to expand as economic growth is encouraged and facilitated by trade and other government policies at all levels. A variety of approaches to solving scale problems exist. Many have been implemented or are being tested in various countries and communities around the world. Because of the complex nature of scale issues, solutions are being explored via innovative economic and business ideas, creative public policy initiatives, sustainable technologies, and inspiring human values. Mother nature is continually affected by problems which are inadequately addressed by decision makers whether they are representatives of government, deep states, businessmen, civil society influencers. The aim is to keep interest alive and continue to make generations aware, to disseminate information and follow day by day which options and solutions are within everyone's reach.