The Ozone Threat: Managing with Uncertainty
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Credit: http://sachdevaglobal.in/images/whatsnew/2013/ozo.jpg
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For
our make-up class last December 4, 2015, two (2) groups presented their case.
For
the first case (The Ozone Threat: Managing with Uncertainty), the case is about
DuPont which discovered the chloroflourocarbons (CFCs) in the early 1990s and
the largest producer globally until 1987 when the company decided to phase out
its CFC division. Also, DuPont was the largest supplier of gunpowder for the US
military. They produced the plutonium used in the atomic bond.
There
were several scientists who came up with studies and confirmed that if CFCs
continue proliferating in the upper atmosphere, it will lead to degradation of
the ozone layer. But DuPont management quickly moved to meet the threat and decided
to continue expanding its CFC production.
At
the end of the day, we should think and ask ourselves, do you do your business
as usual? Even CFC is blink to the ozone layer. I’ve learned that we should
advise the people, by getting them aware that its’ time to replace those old
refrigerator, old cars and others. Companies have a duty to take care of its
customers and most of all the environment.
Marcopper
The
second case is about Marcopper Mining disaster occurred on March 24, 1996 on
the Philippine island of Marinduque. In August 1996, a significant leak was
discovered in the pit’s drainage tunnel. The leak caused a fracture which discharged
tailings into the Makulapnit-Boac river system. The rush of tailings displaced
river water which inundated low-lying areas, destroying crops and vegetables
garden and clogged irrigation channels supplying water to rice fields.
The
toxic spill caused flash floods which isolated five villages, with populations
of 4,400 people each, along the far side of the Boac river. One village,
Barangay Hinapulan, was buried under six feet of muddy floodwater, causing 400
families to flee to higher grounds. Sources of drinking water were contaminated
with toxins. Fish, freshwater shrimps and pigs were killed outright.
Helicopters had to fly in food, water, and medical supplies to the isolated
villages. The inhabitants of 20 of the 60 villages in the province were told to
evacuate.
With this case, I’ve
learned that mining companies can do business without harming the environment
and minimize the hazardous effect to people and environment. They should also hear
society’s concern. There’s already a modern mining, as shown by the reporting
group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62-yS0uXBb0.
Modern mining utilizes innovative technology that allows the industry to
operate safely and generate economic growth and produce innovative technology.
My
professor’s opinion is not to continue the mining. If it will continue, they
should set higher standard and strict in environmental compliance.
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Credit: http://www.brainyquote.com/photos/j/johndrockefeller147463.jpg
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References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcopper_mining_disaster
http://mineralsmakelife.org/blog/details/eagle-mine-an-innovative-approach-to-modern-mining
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62-yS0uXBb0
