Aditi Mukherji (on Facebook):
I get a little concerned when we talk about boundaries, because boundaries are always imposed on poorer nations. I just hope this call is different!
My response:
Aditi you raise an important point, that being, the potential implications such boundaries may have on developing and emerging economies where there are significant numbers of people that need to be pulled out of poverty and onto the development ladder. A similar argument has been put forward in the climate change debate. My thoughts are that remaining within these boundaries is critical to our very existence. Exceeding these boundaries brings with them the challenges of shocks, risks and uncertainty all of which have global implications that range from food insecurity to issues of economic growth, social instability etc. To me the precautionary principle is the most appropriate approach to take. Just how we achieve not exceeding these boundaries is a debate that I am sure will be on going. It will mean that we as a global community will have to make choices and decisions. In my opinion our insatiable consumption of resources will have to change and we all, whether poor or wealthy, will have to do our part in addressing this issue. From an equity perspective I would posit that the developed world should be brave enough to take on its fair share of the changes that will ensure that we remain within the Planetary Boundaries.
Aditi Mukherji (on Facebook):
I get a little concerned when we talk about boundaries, because boundaries are always imposed on poorer nations. I just hope this call is different!
My response:
Aditi you raise an important point, that being, the potential implications such boundaries may have on developing and emerging economies where there are significant numbers of people that need to be pulled out of poverty and onto the development ladder. A similar argument has been put forward in the climate change debate. My thoughts are that remaining within these boundaries is critical to our very existence. Exceeding these boundaries brings with them the challenges of shocks, risks and uncertainty all of which have global implications that range from food insecurity to issues of economic growth, social instability etc. To me the precautionary principle is the most appropriate approach to take. Just how we achieve not exceeding these boundaries is a debate that I am sure will be on going. It will mean that we as a global community will have to make choices and decisions. In my opinion our insatiable consumption of resources will have to change and we all, whether poor or wealthy, will have to do our part in addressing this issue. From an equity perspective I would posit that the developed world should be brave enough to take on its fair share of the changes that will ensure that we remain within the Planetary Boundaries.