Goal 20:Improve standard of living for all those below the norm - health care, education, food and shelter.ObstaclesRaising the well being of the poorest to reasonable levels requires an international effort and cooperation. Those in more developed areas fear that raising others can only be at their expense. In some measure this is true; for example, the rising demand for steel in China is effecting the cost for every other country. The objections can only be overcome if ways are found to illustrate that the direct economic impact on the wealthy will have indirect benefits that will exceed the perceived costs.ImplementationIf the programs listed in the prior essays are implemented, then there will be funds available to improve the lot of the poorest. Once it is understood that the rich must pay the true global cost of the resources they use, then international mechanisms can be implemented to improve the lot of the under-served. If this is not done we can expect a rise in conflict, discontent and disease. And with no assurance that these problems can be kept away from the developed societies. The clichés about a shrinking world are true: one cannot hide from SARS, AIDS, BSE or other epidemics. Nor can one hide from global climate changes, rising sea water levels or pollution carried in from rapidly-developing, under-managed economies.Either we implement changes in a controlled manner now or we will bear the costs later without being able to decide how they should be incurred. Sensible planning, taking on necessary expenses, and modifying our lifestyles will ultimately benefit everyone including ourselves. Do we wish to take the risk of letting events overtake us? Since I'm a firm believer that the world runs on the basis of "might makes right", despite all the rhetoric about democracy and freedom, the question is how to make the strong see that it is in their best interests to help the weak and scale back themselves to a point that will permit sustainable world consumption levels. The only approach that I've been able to come up with is to point out that not doing so will ultimately cost the rich more. Material wealth is not the answer to the meaning of life, and the sooner people learn this the sooner they can move on to finding those things which are really important. I think most people would put health, happiness and the success of one's children at the top of the list. Do you want to risk this for yet another ephemeral purchase? Even the rich won't be happy in a world of uncontrolled climate change, water and land shortage and continual civil unrest. Being satisfied with less can be shown to be simple self interest. All it takes is education and good moral leadership. |