Released: 7/1/2010 4:00 PM EDT
Source: University of Vermont
...Wetland loss is complicated: it's a matter of having channelized the river and controlled the flow of sediment that used to replenish the marshes naturally. It's also a function of oil and gas canals that were dug through the marshes to allow for oil exploration -- back when we didn't have to go miles off the coast! Now, with the BP disaster, the wetlands are threatened by oil washing up. This kills plants, and when plants die you don't have them there to stabilize the soil. Combine this with more hurricanes and we can foresee even bigger losses of coastal wetlands...
...Ecological economics takes a deep look at the proper roles of government and business -- where are the incentives for business to look out for the long-term future? They're really not there in the current economic model. The focus is quarterly profits. From a traditional business perspective, if you can cut some corners on safety or the environment and human health -- and make some more money -- that's seen as a good thing....
http://www.newswise.com/articles/gulf-coast-oil-spill-analysis-from-all-sides
The current business models for companies engaged in 'commerce' in the USA is AMORAL and UNETHICAL. Just that simple. There was a time in the USA when ethical business practices were a 'value' everyone admired. That doesn't exist anymore. What exists today are 'bonuses' and 'profit' at any cost. The Republicans like to call it 'GROWTH,' when in fact it is EXPLOITATION and amoral business content.
"Excellant Customer Service" is the only 'value' citizens receive anymore and that is only to facilitate profits.
