In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, there has been a noticeable uptick in discussion surrounding disaster preparedness. As towns, cities and nations begin to rebuild critical infrastructure, some countries appear to be facing a much more serious situation. The Caribbean’s eastern islands are reported to have sustained the majority of damage throughout Hurricane Irma. In certain islands, 90 percent of the buildings were destroyed throughout the storm (Ahmed & Semple, 2017). While island infrastructure can potentially be rebuilt, a much more serious problem has recently emerged. The absence of key resources has resulted in extreme social unrest on several islands. In the island of St. Martin, locals are reporting that there is no food left (Ahmed & Semple, 2017). Because of the lack of essential resources such as food and water, local citizens have begun fighting over all remaining items (Ahmed & Semple, 2017).
The concept of a resource dilemma remains central in this particular situation. In the aftermath of the hurricane, looting and fighting over scarce resources have become common on the island (Ahmed & Semple, 2017). In this instance, looters aren’t commonly targeting non-essential items such as clothes, alcohol or electronics, rather they are seeking food and water (Ahmed & Semple, 2017). This disaster refocuses our attention on the limited supply of natural resources in this world. Schneider et al. (2012, p. 302) note that less than 3 percent of the earths water is safe for drinking purposes. Statistics regarding the scarcity of water are often presented with data regarding population growth. It is also crucial to note that population increases of 83 million per year are forecasted to remain steady (Schneider et al., 2012, p. 302). This increase in human population will slowly create a significant level of competition for scarce resources (Schneider et al., 2012, p. 302).
Will the increased scarcity of essential items bring about significant social dilemmas? The actions of the individuals within St. Martin showcase the reality of such an occurrence. Disasters that impact essential resources have a unique way of changing social behavior. Schneider et al. (2012, p. 299) note that individuals are rewarded for their lack of cooperation in a social dilemma. This can be seen as individuals fight with each other for basic survival items on the island of St. Martin. Schneider et al. (2012, p. 299) also note that when all individuals stop cooperating, everyone begins to suffer. Individuals who have begun stockpiling resources are receiving an initial reward at the moment, however, this decision will ultimately impact them at a later point as their community begins to run out of essential items.
It is imperative that we begin to treat the threat of resource scarcity as a colossal threat to human life. At present, our ecosystems have a fixed carrying capacity (PSU, 2017). As the world continues to industrialize, the need for upgraded agricultural procedures and alternative water sources will consistently increase. Additionally, it will become increasingly important for parents to address their ability to care for and introduce children into the world. According to Pennsylvania State University (2017), psychologists may choose to focus on birth control and other preventative measures. While this subject remains controversial, it does require that we begin to grapple with the idea explosive world population growth may not be in our best interest. Should we fail to do so, our ability to equally utilize scare resources may hang in jeopardy.
References
Ahmed, A., Semple, K. (2017). Desperation Mounts in Caribbean Islands: ‘All the Food Is Gone’. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/10/world/americas/irma-caribbean-st-martin.html?mcubz=0
Pennsylvania State University World Campus. Lesson 4: The Environment. PSYCH424. Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1867078/modules/items/22915534
Schneider, F., Gruman, J., & Coutts, L. (2012) Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Greetings!
First off great job! I liked how you highlighted resource scarcity throughout your blog post. Initially, when I was thinking about a topics, I never thought about approaching it from the angle you presented. I think your topic highlights what could happen if there is a sudden shortage of resources in the wake of a natural disaster. Moreover, in order to gain additional resources, funding will need to be provided in order to provide access of the basic resources (ie food and water etc). This could present a challenge in not only getting funding but the logistics of deploying the aid to the hit areas. While planning ahead can help reduce the impact felt by the hurricane it will not prevent it. Interestingly, policy makers can be slow to develop policy to mitigate the effects of a future natural disaster until it happens. How do you think applied social psychology can help create awareness of the issue so governments, state, or local governments/citizens can be prepared for the challenges that may be ahead?
Again, good job!
Brandon
Great Post!
Is it possible that the people within the areas devastated by Irma were already struggling for resources and the storm has now highlighted the need? As you stated, water is one of the most important resources. Our survival depends on it, without it there would be no vegetation or animals to nourish an individual’s body. Namely, without essential, one might find people looting for self-preservation. Its unfortunate but if placed in a dire situation one might do similar things to survive. Maybe the individuals who are looting fall into the equity theory concept. Chiefly, they feel as they have been treated unjust and are trying to balance the scale by taking what they believe they are entitled too. (Schneider et al., 2012) They have been without for so long, now is there time.
References
Schneider, F., Gruman, J., & Coutts, L. (2012) Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.