Coal and cattle largest economic activities detrimental to nature

Coal and cattle largest economic activities detrimental to nature

A report backed by the United Nations, on Monday, the generation of electricity by coal in Asia and livestock in South America are the most environmentally damaging business activities with a cost phenomenon not outweigh the value of their production.

The report also said, a guide for businesses and investors, the world production of commodities from cement to wheat caused damage amounting to 7.3 trillion dollars a year if the assessment of the cost of pollution, water and greenhouse gas emissions and waste, reflecting the long-term effects.

Said Achim Steiner, director of the United Nations Environment Programme said in a statement, "highlights the figures in this report the urgent need for all economies and also opportunities in the transition to an eco-friendly economy."

And achieved electricity generation by coal in Asia, especially China, revenue amounted to 443 billion dollars a year, but the cause of damage to nature amounting to 452 billion dollars, mainly because of greenhouse gases, which have led to climate change and pollution, which has damaged the health of people.

The Activity livestock in South America, especially in the area deforested in the Amazon in second place in terms of damage, which was valued at about 353 billion dollars because of the pressure on the water supply and deforestation which damages exceeded much revenue which amounted to $ 16.6 billion.

The report said that the generation of electricity by coal in North America ranked third in causing a loss in "natural capital" before the cultivation of wheat and rice in Southeast Asia.

Some experts have questioned the assumptions made in the report, for example, that tons of carbon dioxide emissions cost $ 106 based on a study conducted in 2006 for the cost of climate change prepared by Nicholas Stern, former chief economist at the World Bank.

And said Alastair Mkjrirgeor, chief operations officer at based Trocost Foundation Britain, "There are things that are uncertain."

The German group Puma Sports Wear is the first major company to profit and loss account environmental and it caused estimated losses of 145 million euros ($ 190 million) for Nature in 2010. This is not added to the cost of product sales prices and intended to guide consumers.