Collaboration To Build A Sustainable Future

Posted September 9, 2006 in News

Sustainability and how to cope with a changing global environment is being collaboratively researched, collectively contemplated with a view to practical responses. The work of building a viable future is being tackled on many fronts, including China, United Arab Emirates, Africa, the Meditteranean, Latin American and the Caribbean. Breakthroughs in technology and communications could make it possible to bypass the dirty legacy of industrialised economies, but this will be contingent upon passion and commitment if we are to meet the challenges of the coming marathon.

Daily Online correspondent in stockholm, Jia Feng, from the State Environmentla Protection Administration of China is quoted as saying "China can't take the way of polluting first and then treating it." China's ecological systems would collapse if they were to choose the western way. This year has been the largest investment in environmental sectors by hte government which demonstrates a political will. There is also a need for scientific innovation to realize environmental targets. Similarly there is a need to improve both enterrpise and peoples' environmental protection awareness. After all, although it is possible to pollute a river in a matter of days, it can take a whole generation or more to clean it.

This paradigm is being encouraged by experts such as Ezio Manzini are encouraging nations such as China to leap frog the industrial economies. In an interview with China Daily, Manzini comments that "...China has the unique possiblity to find an innovative and more sustainable solution, to produce what is needed for its internal market and, in doing so, to offer effective and economic solutions to large and global issues such as energy, mobility, healthy food and elderly care."

The God who created the heavens and formed the earth did not create it to be empty but to be inhabited (see Isaiah 45:18). Thus is it is incumbent upon all its citizens to do their best to contribute to this marathon. After all we and all our descendants are depending on our success.

On the Latin American and Caribbean front New Economics paper refers to the "Up In Smoke" paper which highlights the magnitude of impact global warming will have on this region, as well as the issues about resourcing solutions. On a less dire note, this Eurofunding Mag article parallels the model of regional co-operation is the Barcelona Declaration partners who are seeking how to make maximise strategic impact whist emphasizing national complementarities.

There is also some excellent work being done in the Arab nations. AME info reported on the region's first strategic alliance to promote clean and renewable energy. This article is also interesting because it parallels the recognition of technology enabling practical solutions, in particular using computer modelling to improve building designs and systems. Gulf News reports that the UAE are "...continuing in their efforts towards environmental protection,  knowing that along with economic and social advancement, it is one of the pillars of sustainable development..." This article reports that the UAE are working to develop a balanced reporting convention, "..guided by the principle of common but differentiated responsiblities."

The following are a selection of recent news articles which highlight work and issues that are being considered from a wide range of countries. Some such as Bermuda's Royal Gazette article remind us that sustainability is not just trees and water, but also quality of life and emotional well-being. These articles from Malaysia's Daily Express and AllAfrica remind us that success will involve partnerships, and one key reward will be (to quote AllAfrica) moving from "Survival or a better life" to "Survival and a better life".

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