7gen Bloc
Is There a Bridge at the Edge of the World?
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James Gustave Speth, co-founder of the Natural Resources Defense Council, a Yale University dean, and a former White House advisor, has written a great book
While the book is deeply thoughtful, thoroughly researched, and a pleasure (albeit depressing) to read, my only complaint is that Speth stops short of detailing the best ways to take urgent action.
NPR described the book as a “monumental work of synthesis” and in an interview noted that Speth has, “marshaled formidable evidence that American-style consumer capitalism of the early twenty-first century is incompatible with maintaining quality of life for all of us. It is generating unprecedented environmental risks while failing to advance the happiness and social well-being of Americans.”
Specifically, Speth proposes (and I agree) that:
- “We must change the very nature of corporations so they become legally accountable to society at large, not just to themselves and their shareholders.
- “We must challenge the current obsession with GDP growth and focus on growth in the areas that truly enhance human well-being: growth in good jobs, in the availability of health care, in education, in the deployment of green technologies, in the incomes of the poor, in security against illness and disability, in infrastructure, and more.
- “We must challenge materialism and consumerism as the source of happiness and seek new values about quality of life, social solidarity, and connectedness to nature.
- “We must transform the market through government action so that it works for the environment, rather than against it
- “We must transform democracy through deep political reforms that reassert popular control, encouraging locally strong, deliberative democracy and limiting corporate influence.
- “We must forge a new environmental politics that recognizes links among environmentalism, social liberalism, human and civil rights, the fight against poverty, and other issues."
Speth's analysis and recommendations demand a lot from all of us. I am grateful that someone is willing to say, "We're in deep trouble." If we aren't willing to do the hard work now, there will be dire consequences for us all. It is NOT going to be easy being green, let alone ensure the viability of most of the human race.
Jeffrey Hollender, President and Chief Inspired Protagonist of Burlington, VT-based Seventh Generation Inc., is a well-respected advocate of sustainable business.
For more on Jeffrey, click here.
Having not read the book, I have to say that it is truly uninspiring to see the cover design. It appears to be a cheap sci-fi novel, giving no insight into the depth of content. As a graphic designer, I find it sad to see design opportunities missed - the impact of the message could have reached much further. However, if the Inspired Protagonist likes it, then I'll have to pick it up, wincing as I do.