Which Kind of Diamond Is Better for the Environment?

 

Which kind of diamond is better for the environment and the world we live in: a diamond from a traditional mine or one made in a laboratory?

Some recent reports suggest the answer may not be so clear. At the very least, these reports provide evidence of tensions between two different sectors² of the diamond industry.

Lab-grown diamond companies say they are more ethical³ and cause less harm to Earth’s environment.

The traditional diamond sector¹ notes that its businesses help the communities where they operate mines. It says they provide jobs, help build roads and other infrastructure⁴ and make investments in conservation.

Some companies, such as De Beers, work on both sides. De Beers sells natural and man-made diamonds.

In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigates reports of deceptive⁵, or misleading, advertising⁶. In April, the commission sent warning letters to eight lab-grown diamond companies.

One of the FTC’s concerns was the use of the word ‘eco-friendly,’ and similar terms, to describe diamonds made in a laboratory. The lab-grown process requires very high temperatures and uses a lot of energy.

Trucost is a company that estimates the costs of using natural resources. Asked by the Diamond Producers Association to study the issue, Trucost found the carbon intensity⁷ of natural diamonds was lower than lab-grown diamonds.

The Trucost report did note that diamond miners should reduce their effect on the environment by using more renewable energy, such as wind power and sunlight.

The Reuters news agency reported that the International Grown Diamond Association did not immediately respond to requests for comments about the story.

I'm Susan Shand.

Words in This Story

sector – n. an area or part that is different from others

ethical – adj. following accepted rules of behavior: morally right and good

conservation - n. the careful use of natural resources (such as trees and oil) to prevent them from being lost or wasted

resource – n. materials required for a person or organization to operate normally

renewable – adj. replaced by natural processes; able to be replaced by nature

1 sector   

n.部门，部分；防御地段，防区；扇形

参考例句：

• The export sector will aid the economic recovery. 出口产业将促进经济复苏。
• The enemy have attacked the British sector.敌人已进攻英国防区。

2 sectors   

n.部门( sector的名词复数 )；领域；防御地区；扇形

参考例句：

• Berlin was divided into four sectors after the war. 战后柏林分成了4 个区。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Industry and agriculture are the two important sectors of the national economy. 工业和农业是国民经济的两个重要部门。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

3 ethical   

adj.伦理的，道德的，合乎道德的

参考例句：

• It is necessary to get the youth to have a high ethical concept.必须使青年具有高度的道德观念。
• It was a debate which aroused fervent ethical arguments.那是一场引发强烈的伦理道德争论的辩论。

4 infrastructure   

n.下部构造，下部组织，基础结构，基础设施

参考例句：

• We should step up the development of infrastructure for research.加强科学基础设施建设。
• We should strengthen cultural infrastructure and boost various types of popular culture.加强文化基础设施建设，发展各类群众文化。

5 deceptive   

adj.骗人的，造成假象的，靠不住的

参考例句：

• His appearance was deceptive.他的外表带有欺骗性。
• The storyline is deceptively simple.故事情节看似简单，其实不然。

6 advertising   

n.广告业；广告活动 a.广告的；广告业务的

参考例句：

• Can you give me any advice on getting into advertising? 你能指点我如何涉足广告业吗?
• The advertising campaign is aimed primarily at young people. 这个广告宣传运动主要是针对年轻人的。

7 intensity   

n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度

参考例句：

• I didn't realize the intensity of people's feelings on this issue.我没有意识到这一问题能引起群情激奋。
• The strike is growing in intensity.罢工日益加剧。