A simple shift in perspective

June 17, 2008

Dear Sir,

An ancient Chinese sage once said: "Great knowledge sees all in one. Small knowledge breaks down into the many." I believe it is exactly such a broader view, a greater perspective, that is needed to transform our various and conflicting desires into a common vision for this small island. Globally, we have witnessed the catastrophic decline of wilderness and biodiversity, and increasingly we find resources and social infrastructure under threat of exhaustion.

However, as remote as we may feel from the rest of the world in our little paradise, few would not recognise these apparently conflicting demands of environment, economy and society here. Neither would many deny that one or more of these domains of our existence have historically profited at the expense of the others. Clearly, a common view is necessary. I argue that the perspective tying these fields together is that all three — ecology, economics and social equity — are, in fact, inseparable and that true, enduring progress within any will require careful acknowledgement of the arguments for the others.

In the Information Age we ought to best understand the interdependence of social, economic and ecological goals, yet the links still surprise us. For example, while we strive to create and enforce conservation, we may forget that environmentalism is a privilege available only where the economy and social equity thrives. Indeed, biodiversity loss and poverty enjoy a strong link around the world. Similarly, our conservation efforts might only gain the necessary public support when their solutions not only incur no irretrievable costs, but also create sustainable market opportunities.

The links of ecology and social equity to the economy are perhaps better known. Intact ecosystem processes offer the renewal of natural water and nutrient cycles, detoxification of pollutants, and sustainable resource extraction to name a few. Healthy ecosystems thus both ensure economic opportunities into the future and sustain the health of recipient populations.

These services are estimated to be worth tens of trillions of dollars annually. At local scales, study upon study has confirmed that more intact ecosystems will, on average, enhance economic profitability across various sectors. In short, our global economy (including sectors only indirectly related, such as reinsurance) is inseparable from our natural capital.

In terms of social equity, this natural capital and associated economies tend to perform best when opportunities reach the greatest proportion of citizens. Such economic performance reflects not only the regional stability offered by limiting poverty, but also the resulting opportunities for effective management of resources.

Finally, healthy ecosystems and associated economies have proven to be a catalyst for social equity. This process is perhaps exemplified by, but not limited to, ecotourism. Community-based approaches, in particular, have shown promise for increasing employment and alleviating poverty. The underlying point, however, is that only well managed, diverse ecosystem-economies can offer more opportunities for preserving cultural values and enhancing the upward mobility of the poorest people.

I think it is often easier for us to see our goals in prefabricated compartments, such as "the environment" or "the economy", but by doing so we miss the one and only point: We are probably after the same goal – albeit from different camps – but we are just too entrenched to see it. So as environmentalists we would do well to ask: "what economic and changes to social equity must occur to effectively conserve what we have left?"

Those more economics-minded might ask, "what social and ecological conditions underpin long term success based on limited natural capital?" And in social terms, " what economic and, by necessity, ecologically sustainable innovations will enhance our traditions as well as our momentum toward a more equitable future?"

The tools to achieve such transformation will be varied. We can draw from decades of advances in environmental design and resource use. Social and environmental conscience is perhaps as developed as it has ever been, and has been used to great effect in some places.

But a more vital prerequisite than know-how, I think, will be a simple shift in perspective — an acknowledgement that decision-making in "isolation" from inseparable entities is counterproductive and acts solely for immediate interests, not those of our children and grandchildren. In thinking more broadly, we may thus create an ethic not of "environmentalism" or "socio-economic theory" but an ethic of humanity in the most inclusive sense. An ethic based more on compassion than competition, more on cooperation than individual cunning.

So I encourage us, in the year 2008, to think a little bit bigger and to consider the arguments of those just over the fence from us in our daily decisions. If we can manage this we may yet see progress without conflict and, who knows, we might even find that we have more in common with each other than we ever expected.

MATT HAMMOND

Hamilton Parish

Just wondering

June 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

I wonder how many white supporters Barack Obama would have attracted if he raised his arm with a clenched fist at his many well attended meetings?

JOHN BARNETT

Warwick

Restore democracy

June 17, 2008

Dear Sir,

Dr. Brown's behaviour has been so self destructive and extraordinary, that it would almost appear intentional, to the extent that he read, correctly mind you, that his days were numbered and so decided to bleed whatever he could from his position and then move on. It is under no doubt that blood has flowed; as regards moving on, it should be sooner than later. Bermuda, however belatedly, must vindicate itself and show the world that it will not tolerate this kind of Government and make sure that in the next election the vote must go to a decent, sound, accountable, and honourable authority, black or white, preferably no colour at all, just Bermudians, and restore the Democracy that we dearly love and cherish.

DIANA WILLIAMS

Pembroke

Respect all the people

June 17, 2008

Dear Sir,

This Government continues to disrespect its people and the people continue to take it. How many people wanted to go to the Queen's Birthday Parade but couldn't as it was on Saturday, which is a work day. Then there are those people with children who have Saturday activities.

As it is the end of the school year, a lot of these activities are preparing for their end of year events so the kids can't miss them. As it was the last Queen's Birthday Parade, people hoped it would be bigger and better the normal.

Next thing this Government will do is have the Remembrance Day parade during the work day, or have the round the island race on a Monday. Cup Match will soon be on a Saturday/Sunday. When does it stop? As the Government of the people, they should learn to respect the people, all the people.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Pembroke

Hats off to Warwick

June 14, 2008

Dear Sir,

I am delighted and relieved that the application for the "Sandbar" on Warwick Long Bay was turned down by the Dept. of Planning. It is surprising and disturbing that the Department of Conservation Services did not object. It calls into question their commitment to preserve and protect our national parks, in particular a pristine beach such as Warwick Long Bay. The idea of any kind of concession there must be strongly resisted. Hats off to the residents of Warwick for organising yourselves to collectively object; your efforts are much appreciated.

FRANCES EDDY

Warwick

Weapons of mass distraction

June 17, 2008

Dear Sir,

I take exception to the reckless and erroneous manner in which an event my husband and I and friends attend and support here in Los Angeles is being addressed in the House. It is important to me that Mrs. Jackson is given an honest, supported view rather than one filled with old pictures, distorted news and pure weapons of mass distraction for Bermudians.

In May my brother and his wife, the Premier and Mrs. Brown, made an "unofficial" visit to Los Angeles. He played golf, we had a family dinner and on the afternoon of his birthday, he was honoured with a celebration again with family and friends. Later that evening, what has become a topic of conversation, was the Playboy Manion affair. Here in Southern California, we have hundreds of venues where fundraisers are held nightly! The Playboy Mansion happens to be one of them.

What really matters here to me, by the way, is not where it was held, but that a father came to support his son in his endeavours without judgment. This nonprofit organisation, brilliantly organised by my nephew, to go into countries to help in the aftermath of disasters! This young man, without notice, leaves his wife, children and medical practice, to go around the world with a medical team that he assembled to save lives. Now that is newsworthy! I hope Mrs. Jackson and the UBP will take sometime on the floor of the House and expand upon the ending to our family visit in Los Angeles. The only part really matters in my book.

Our family of nine spent more than two hours at our Spiritual Community, Agape International Centre. A proclamation from Los Angeles County filled with the good work my brother did in Los Angeles for over (20) years was presented to him. The Mayor of Culver City presented him with the key to the City. However, most important was that we sat in a House of Worship with 1,100 other people. We sat in meditation. We sat in prayer. We sang, we listened, we healed. Peace and Blessings,

EMILITA V. JOHNSON (BERMUDIAN)

Los Angeles

P.s. I have not read any articles so far praising the fact that those that were successful in their bids for the trips to Bermuda will not be generating "tourist" dollars for the island.