Christine von Weizsäcker: "Buying out does not solve problems!“

The currently widespread perception of growth that is restricted to economic prosperity is an oversimplification and equates to mass hysteria. Growth can only be sustainable if it considers diversity, dialog and justice. This was the message of the German biologist and environmental activist Christine von Weizsäcker at the conference "Growth in Transition" in January 2010 in Vienna, Austria.

Pure economic growth is destined to fail

"When we think of growth, we think of money. However, this perception has nothing to do with reality, neither in the family nor in a company," von Weizsäcker states.

There is no overall solution for the urgent problems of the world. "We cannot simply turn a single knob and everything is okay; solutions demand the interplay of many factors." This explains the failure of the UN climate conference in December. "Obviously those assembled in Copenhagen were not those who determine the fate of the world. Furthermore there were efforts to apply power, money and media amplification to disperse problems that actually demand arduous and patient work on detail. However, buying out does not solve problems," according to von Weizsäcker.

Great responsibility for emerging nations

Only the success of a harmonious meeting of diversity, even with its contrasts and contradictions, can enable a transition to sustainability. "We must rid ourselves of the misconception that our rich model, applied here cleanly while it destroys vital opportunity elsewhere, can serve as the goal of global development. It is definitely possible for everyone on the planet to have enough and at the same time to run a clean economy."

For emerging nations, von Weizsäcker sees an especially important role. "There will be a lot of overturning, and mutual consideration and dialog are the order of the day. The dialog between north and south, however, is still lacking," poses von Weizsäcker.

Dialog requires rights

Closely bound to this dialog is the common search for justice. "Even in our countries, where prosperity and law rule, there is an enormous yearning for justice. Creating sound legal protection is still a prerequisite rather than a consequence of democracy, as history shows," states the German environmental activist. Economic poverty of a nation generally means poverty in terms of legal rights for its residents.

Without justice, von Weizsäcker considers a positive global transition impossible. "Island inhabitants in the Pacific are in danger of drowning due to climate change and a large part of humanity is starving. For such nations – and it should be for us as well – this screaming injustice is like a millstone around their neck that chokes any dialog."

January 2010 conference proceedings of "Growth in Transition"

Source: pressetext.at