Why are we able to make great progress in some areas like Science & Technology, but are making things much worse in some areas like environment?¶

Reasons¶

1. People think they can't make a difference
2. Unaware of the True Impact
3. True Cost Delta Problem
4. World Runs on Consumerism & Debt
5. Capitalism Requires Ability to Wall Up and Capture Value

1. People think they can't make a difference¶

Everyone has their own set of problems at individual, family, work that they are dealing with and they don't really have the time or the belief that they have the power to make a difference on such a large problem, like Environment.

2. Unaware of the True Impact¶

We don't know the true impact that we are making by our actions and inactions. Explained more under the 'True Cost Delta Problem'.

3. True Cost Delta Problem¶

We are always looking to find ways to get more in return, for the effort and time that we are spending, like looking for better efficiency and reduce wastage. This is good, but it becomes a problem if the cost that we spend is not the true cost borne by the Earth. Example, say if you are buying a bunch of plastic cups for $1, we are valuing it at $1, but the true cost borne by the Earth is not factored in, when these plastic cups end up in the landfill or the Ocean.

Another example - lets say 3 persons A, B & C each has a plot of land. Person A builds a building, Person B does farming with cattles and Person C lets it be a forest. After 20 years, Person A would have got most money, Person B would have got some money and Person C would have got no money from their plots of land. Now, persons A and B with the money they have, they can buy land from Person C and use it to construct more buildings and farms. If this cycle keeps repeating, then the percentage of land for environment and animals will keep reducing. The plot of land under plot C, which was a forest, helped provide more fresh air, played its small part in reducing global warming but we don't value any of these in terms of money.

4. World Runs on Consumerism & Debt¶

The world runs and relies on consumerism & businesses, which is basically dependent on people buying more things. If people stop buying more things, then the businesses will take a hit and affect the employees.

5. Capitalism Requires Ability to Wall Up and Capture Value¶

The world currently runs on two things:

1. Value that we provide/deliver
2. Portion of value that we are able to capture back

If we are only able to do #1 and not able to do #2, then, that goes into unviable category and doesn't get worked on, till it becomes viable.

So what ends up happening is, things are left to deteriorate to an extent where the openly available public resource becomes usuable, after which capitalism/businesses can pack/wall it up and then make a viable business out of it. Example - Water, Air.

So, what can we do about it?¶

Take the 10 Minute Poll