Dast News
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Current Challenges
“Social apathy, characterized by a disengagement or indifference towards environmental issues, poses a significant obstacle to progress. It perpetuates a cycle of inaction, hindering efforts to address the pressing ecological crises we face” In our current landscape, we face pressing challenges that demand our immediate attention, spanning from societal apathy towards environmental concerns to the stark reality of our ecological footprint exceeding the planet’s capacity to sustain us. Social apathy, characterised by disengagement or indifference towards environmental issues, poses a significant obstacle to progress, perpetuating a cycle of inaction that hinders efforts to address the pressing ecological crises we face. The Living Planet Report 2022 reveals that humanity’s consumption and activities have pushed the Earth beyond its limits, surpassing its biocapacity by a staggering 75%. This overuse of resources not only threatens the delicate balance of ecosystems but also jeopardises the well-being of future generations. The need for action is
Towards a Sustainable Future
“Socialism collapsed because it did not allow the market to tell the economic truth. Capitalism may collapse because it does not allow the market to tell the ecological truth” Oystein Dahleformer Esso Vice Presidentfor Norway and the North Sea observed As Westerners, we are speeding along life’s superficial pathways, numbed by relentless advertising and reluctant to confront global issues because it would challenge our comfortable existence. Yet, true life is not in empty words or mindless entertainment but in action. Engaging in collective environmental restoration projects can rejuvenate both the planet and our sense of purpose, making us part of something enduring and generational. The rise of the Industrial Age brought Western society unprecedented ease, mobility, communication, and abundance, fostering an illusion of mastery over nature. This success, heavily promoted by global media, has set a benchmark that other countries strive to emulate, often unsustainably. However, the West’s lifestyle is
Context and Growth
“Let’s start telling the truth: competitiveness is a meaningless word when applied to national economies. And the obsession with competitiveness is both wrong and dangerous” Paul Krugman In the grand narrative of human history, economic progress has often been synonymous with exponential growth and technological advancement. However, as we approach a new era, the flaws in this growth-centric paradigm are becoming increasingly evident, casting shadows over planetary health and social cohesion. The relentless focus on competitiveness, as Nobel laureate economist Paul Krugman noted, has proven both misguided and perilous, particularly as the Western welfare state becomes unsustainable. Historical trade practices and the ease of information dissemination have deepened global interconnectedness but also fostered dependency that has undermined traditional cultures and biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for a more balanced approach. To address these challenges, implementing a tax system that accurately reflects the environmental impact of imported goods is crucial. Such
