The article
http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jZoRZo7OIXIGBkFuXpGXNjDKR7oQSummary
Being an environmentalist can be a positive thing. However, being uncontrollable to fight for the environment can cost your country about £6 million or approximately 11.3 million dollars in Canadian. The protestors at Camp for Climate Action held last month in Kent, England were controlled by 1400 police officers. A report was revealed that almost £6 million was paid for that protesting event. However, this cost might rise since many officers were paid overtime. The demonstration by the environmentalists was to close down a coal-fired power station that was opened for more than 30 years. At the end of the day, 100 people were arrested.
Connection
The links between this article and the first chapter of textbook are the direct cost and opportunity cost. Policing is funded by the citizens of England. The direct cost to the public is paying the police to control themselves or the protestors more specifically. Because of the demonstration, the public of England is paying from their pockets for the multi-million bill which 1400 officers were paid. Moreover, the direct cost may also be the embarrassment of the nation for losing £6 million to manage the public. The opportunity cost can be the public giving funds to environment researchers. Without a doubt, there are hundreds of environmental researchers who need funds to continue their research to make Earth a better and cleaner planet. Also, the £6 million could have been used to solve other environmental problems. Another important opportunity cost is that the police officers working at the demonstration could have been working on other cases or patrolling elsewhere. These police officers were deterred from other important tasks.
Reflection
I believe it is outrageous to have a demonstration by using force and breaking the laws. When a protest includes arrests, it is not acceptable. Without a doubt, this protest was not worth the £6 million. About 100 arrests were made. There are other ways to protest without creating chaos. For example, people can simply put up a petition against the power plant with the government. The government can make better use of the £6 million. The money can be used for funding researchers or funding the homeless. Honestly, if I had that much money, I would take an early retirement and travel around the world.
