Welcome to an experiment in social technology.

Apartheid Plus Hope Equals a Green Economy

Posted Tue, 06/16/2009 - 22:17

We must remember that our sustainability requires every person's participation. If only 20% of the population can afford to be in a green economy, then 80% of the people will remain part of the problem.

But it goes deeper.

That's because our quality of life depends on environmental and cultural responsibility. Our problem is only a fraction of us can afford to live a sustainable lifestyle, especially if they consume any electricity or even eat healthy food (which is usually transported long distances or sold at a premium for its freshness).

An image from the flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Were you caught in Katrina? Not if you had a credit card or a car.
We have to consider the real task ahead of us: ending poverty forever. If we don't, there will always remain those who cannot afford sustainable lifestyles. Wide-scale renewable energy and a clean and healthy environment will never become a reality if we don't find ways to make them affordable. Any sustainable transition taking place will only be a speed bump on the path to an eco-apocalypse, precisely because we didn't have enough innovation to make green economies affordable.

Addressing this problem means we're going to have to treat each other differently. We have to recognize that our extreme economic and achievement gaps are an apartheid! It is an apartheid born mostly of ecological and economic injustices, but also our people's greed and fear. If ending these injustices is clearly necessary for our economic sustainability, then building the green economy takes on profound significance.

Beginning the green economy. Ending poverty and apartheid forever

A green wave that lifts all boats.

This motivates me. This is a strong case for hope.