Ecological Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Ecological Economics - Essay Example Hanley et al. (1996) argues that it is only when people satisfy their financial needs that they remember the non-renewable characteristic of natural resources. The problem in the Niger Delta escalates as a result of humans focusing on the economic gains derived from exploitation of the oil reserves, disregarding the consequences on environment. The petro-business is a significant source of government revenue. Oil extraction largely affects the environment through oil spills from the high pressure pipelines that cross through the villages. The inhabitants of these villages are aware of the dangers posed to their health by the oil spills and also know that the companies involved reap huge benefits from the oil business (Ibeanu, 2000). They are aggrieved by the fact that they do not get a share of what they believe are their own resources. Environmental pollution and injuries on the community members result from the activities of the petroleum companies, which emphasize on their right t o extract the resources without disturbance especially considering the industry’s contribution to government revenue. People use natural resources the way they do because of varied reasons especially if the goods serve the interests of more than one group. Unless there are rules to curtail the overuse of the resources, there is usually a high risk of depletion (Acheson et al. 2006). The owners of the oil companies believe that they have a right to extract oil because they contribute a great deal to the economy.