Page 27 - CAPE Caribbean Studies Study Guide Sample_Neat

Module 2 Issues in Caribbean development

Exports may decrease, and import levels will increase, which will lead to a
reduction in national income since foreign revenue will not be generated. If
imports exceed exports, a payments deficit may be created.

Droughts affecting commodity prices

Many Caribbean countries experience droughts. Farmers need to water their
crops and livestock needs to drink, and this becomes a problem when there
is a water shortage. Crops and livestock may die, and this will lead to an
increase in the price of commodities due to their scarcity.

Disease and epidemics

Throughout history major diseases have spread, causing widespread loss of
human life. Over the past few decades diseases have begun to spread quickly
because people travel globally and carry the diseases. In the Caribbean, HIV
and AIDS have become a particular cause for concern.

G8 meetings

Meetings such as the G8 (‘Group of 8’), consisting of the world’s eight richest
countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Russian Federation,
the UK and the US), are held to discuss global issues and to seek solutions
to global problems. For example, during the G8 meetings held in Northern
Ireland in 2013, issues which were discussed included: advancing trade
relations, tax compliance and the promotion of greater transparency.

Global warming has also been a significant point of discussion at meetings.
The effects of carbon emissions from industrialised nations, resulting in rises
in sea levels due to melting polar ice caps have impacted on the Caribbean,
with many islands seeing the ocean encroach further onto their coastlines.
Many coastal towns and cities have consequently become vulnerable to
changes like this. The discussions taking place at G8 meetings look at how to
tackle this important issue.

Genetically modified foods

Genetically modified (GM) foods are usually crops created using biological
and genetic engineering. The plants may be grown in laboratories and then Key points
planted on a mass scale. There are many arguments for and against the
■ Major global issues can
creation of genetically altered foods.
influence the economic, social,
GM foods are often engineered to be pest-resistant so that they can survive environmental and political
attacks by certain pests or parasites. In the early 2000s, the Pink Hibiscus dimensions of individual
mealy bug affected some Caribbean states, destroying crops and causing food countries.
shortages. If crops are genetically altered to withstand attacks by pests, then
■ Oil prices are influenced by
the region is less likely to suffer a food crisis. GM foods are also engineered to disruption in the Middle East,
mature more quickly, leading to greater harvests.
causing the prices of products
A major disadvantage of GM foods, such as in the case of corn, is that insects related to oil to rise.
required in the pollination process may be wiped out. There is widespread
■ Natural disasters, diseases and
concern that bees, essential pollinators of plants, are rapidly declining in
terrorism affect and destroy
numbers. Also, some GM foods may cause allergic reactions in humans which
human life on a large scale.
can lead to health complications.

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