Growing Economies Will Lead to an Over-exploitation of Natural Resources

The world’s drastically growing population as well as the emergence of new economic superpowers are putting a strain on our planets resources. In China, a country that is experiencing world leading economic growth, coal is being used up at a constantly increasing rate. This is causing speculation  that, along with oil, the amount of relatively cheap coal available is steadily decreasing. In the last several decades, the new approach to cleaner and healthier methods to produce power resulted in substitutes such as nuclear power plants. However after the recent Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster, many countries are withdrawing their plans for nuclear energy. At least temporarily this will lead to an increase in the consumption of natural resources.

The economic superpowers need to find a way to continue the growth of their GDP without the burning of fossil fuels. This raises the question of, is it ethical to do whatever it takes in order to further your countries economic power? Although it is much easier said than done to choose a cleaner method of producing energy, it is very necessary if the world wants to continue forward in a positive manner.

http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-25/coal-and-nuclear-power-can-t-substitute-for-pricey-oil.html

 

 

iPhone 5 could boost U.S. GDP $3.2 billion

The introduction of Apple’s new iPhone 5 is expected to have an impact on the economy of the United States. In the fourth quarter alone, it is estimated that 8 million iPhone 5’s will be sold in the United States and older iPhones will still be selling at a normal rate. From the iPhone 5 sales alone, the economy of the US is expected to gain $ 3.2-billion. This would boost GDP growth by 0.33 percent which may not seem like a large percentage but when you take into account that this growth is from a new electronic product, this statistic is very impressive. With a thinner design, larger screen and better processing capabilities, consumers will be eager to get their hands on this electronic phenom. With the incredible sales numbers and the GDP increase prediction, it is very evident that Apple has become the most dominating force in the technology industry. It appears that eventually most of the world will have an Apple product in their home as Apple continues to grow and influence the world around us.

http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/reports-iphone-5-to-raise-us-gdp-take-apples-stock-to-stratosphere-1096151

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/top-business-stories/top-business-stories-apple-iphone-5-could-boost-us-gdp-by-32-billion-in-quarter-jpmorgan-says/article4533763/

Nokia’s Misleading Ad Video

The smartphone makers at Nokia will face a review because of misleading information used in a recent ad for a new product. Nokia’s new device called the Lumia, features an 11cm screen and 8.7 megapixel camera with software used for image stabilization. This camera is the Lumia’s distinction between other powerhouse phones such as the iPhone and the Android and is to be used as the reason for consumers to switch products. In a video advertisement, which was meant to display the phones camera technology, a large white van with lighting equipment and camera man are seen in the reflection of the window. While this may not have usually been a problem, the video gave the impression that the commercial was shot using the Lumia camera. This misleading marketing shows Nokia’s desperation to compete with the now larger and more successful companies such as Apple. As of last year Nokia accounted for only 2 percent of smartphones purchased where as the iPhone and devices using Google’s Android software accounted for a combined total of 90 percent. This shows the competitive nature of the technology industry and the extremes companies will go to get ahead of their competition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lYMlJP77FQ

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-09-10/nokia-to-conduct-ethics-review-about-misleading-ads