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[French Version]
Green Politics and the Economics of Sustainable Development
How can Africa confront the challenges of the 21st century. How can we implement a Green Agenda on this beautiful, large continent?
Globalization has confronted us with a whole new set of development problems - problems which keep compounding as we continue down this path, where the results have major negative consequence. This form of globalization has increased our capacities to destroy much of our planet whether it be through the environment or through the widening spread of conflicts leading us to a possible world war.
Today, too many development projects worldwide have essentially complicated the economic problems that previously existed. Many of the orthodox adjustments which were to improve conditions have not been effective and are now exhausted of possibilities to make changes for the better. Due to this, a search is on for an alternative development package for transferring from the existing systems that are destructive to our planet, both to the environment and to the people. Development challenges for the new millennium are being called for.
Especially for Africa, there needs to be a new concerted policy effort to find an alternative developmental framework that gives rise to a new hopeful foundation for Africa to be a full participant in the 21st century. Sustainable development is one of the most important immediate solutions to the crisis of the world. It gives the needs of the present but does not compromise the needs of future generations.
The question is, what is stopping our world, our leaders, our governments, from achieving this goal to implement these better systems? Why isn't sustainable development being boldly embraced? We need strong new governance structures that successfully lead a way to building for society a Green Agenda based on sustainable systems.
As many of you know, within the political arena these good progressive and innovative ideas are usually turned down, despite the evidence of how good they are. For example, consider alternative clean green energy, such as solar and wind energy. There exists legislation for such programs, but when it goes through government systems for support it usually fails due to not having an economic base for it. So as Greens, as individuals participating in politics, we are obliged now to step up our knowledge and skills to include a financial plan to build our Green Agenda.
Today, the balance of global economic power has shifted from government to the corporate boardroom. World decisions are now made on paper analysis that is focussed on what the bottom line is.
As Greens we have gathered knowledge and skills on issues to do with environment, social justice, human rights and peace. Now is the time for us to become experts to promote an alternative economic system which supports our green initiatives, policies and agendas.
With this I am happy to present this dynamic program designed by Alanna Hartzok on Democracy, Earth Rights and Ecotaxes. I urge you all to pay close attention to what will be presented here today. I believe that Alanna, Sunny and Gordon have important tools for the Green Party to use.
The time has come for us to creat a partnership with organizations that have been focused on how we can shift the economy towards supporting an ecologically based society. Without taking further time, I will end by saying, let us as Greens develop our own skills and widen our knowledge so that we are prepared to bring about a culture of peace, to make our communities healthy and to ensure that each person on this planet is given a fair share, a decent life with shelter, food and work.
Thank you.
NEXT: Democracy, Earth Rights and Ecotaxation by Alanna Hartzok
http://www.earthrights.net/docs/goeke.html