As if the world matters

Moving to strategies

In fact the 14 sub-principles which are contained within this part of the Earth Charter provide key starting points for the strategies for which the question before us searches. I have added them as an appendix to this paper. In may be appropriate for us to endorse them as part of the outcome of this discussion.

The Earth Charter is also an indicator for so-called “Third Generation Rights” which nation states could be encouraged to adopt to expand the traditional civil and political rights to such matters as “the right to a healthy environment and essential natural resources”.

Then the eight UN Millennium Goals provide a framework for intervention which address inequalities. Programs derived from three of the goals are particularly important for enhancing opportunities - 2. achieve universal primary education; 3. promote gender equality and empower women; 5. improve maternal health.

I would also propose that enhanced attention to human population control measures delivered sensitively is a pre-requisite in achieving the outcomes our question suggests. The closer global population numbers approach the projected 9 billion plus, the harder it will be to address inequalities and enhance opportunities as well as to minimise threats to the natural environment.

We should also consider a package of recommendations that may facilitate significant global redistribution of wealth. Why could we not benchmark a global minimum wage as a way of restraining the global exploitation of labour and the undermining of communities? Measures such as progressive taxation, income transfers, subsidies, elimination of user fees for social services, public works programs and land reform within all nations should be encouraged rather than discouraged by bodies like the IMF.

Then we need to re-examine the resources devoted to military expenditure. The preoccupation with security needs to be subjected to an eco-justice audit. The environmental and social justice challenges facing the global community are ultimately and immediately more critical than the wretched violent disputes between protagonists. In any case the solution of these conflicts may be linked to measures aimed at eco-justice.

So to keep some proportion about this, ways must be found to divert some of the $1 trillion dollars currently being spent globally and annually on armaments (almost 60 per cent by the US) to address inequalities and enhance opportunities for all. There would be some impact if every dollar spent on the military were matched by a dollar aimed at ecological sustainability and social justice.

As Australians it would be refreshing to have a national proposal to introduce death taxes for estates above a certain value with that revenue devoted to environmental programs and those that reduce inequalities in other parts of the world. I also propose that Australian governments and others use the ecological footprint idea to quantify consumption patterns that conform to eco-justice. This could be a prelude to establishing benchmarks and targets (perhaps supported by an international convention à la Kyoto) to arrive at appropriate consumption levels.

In all this we are hampered by the lack of adequate global governance mechanisms tied to the global ethical vision we have outlined rather than simply to the global market place. Their development, beginning with strengthening support for the United Nations, is a priority if we are to make much headway.

Perhaps this wish list will provoke discussion. To make progress in these directions leadership within our communities is essential. I regard that as a personal responsibility but I also believe it is an obligation on our political leaders as well as through key culture forming institutions, such as religion and education. The question is: we may have the words but do we collectively have the will to make a difference?