At 05:07 PM 4/11/06 +0100, you wrote:
>Hello I am a student studying sustainable design and environmental
>management at Portsmouth University UK.
>
>The research out come of my dissertation literature review has highlighted
>the fact that in terms of global problems relating to sustainable
>development we have both the theoretical and practical solutions within
>our grasp. For example renewable energy, organics, and economics as though
>people mattered. What I wanted to investigate was why we are not utilising
>these solutions more quickly and thoroughly given the warnings about
>climate change etc.
>
>The conclusion of the research was that the economic system which
>consolidates money and power into a small minority of elite individuals
>was resisting change and undermining efforts so real progress toward
>sustainable development is being hindered as a result.
>
>A strategy that, wherever possible, devolves power to a community level is
>part of the solution. The question that emerged from this conclusion was
>how can this centralized power be dismantled and community level power be
>established?
>
>
>If everyone on the planet had access to the world wide web, and everybody
>had therefore the ability to talk to anyone else anywhere else, people
>could communicate very effectively. As a tool facilitating a greater
>degree of representation, agreement, cooperation, coordination and take
>undertaking collective action; too what extent do you agree with the idea
>that the internet could, and is, becoming a useful tool for achieving the
>goals of sustainable development?
>
>
>
>Strongly agree
>
>Agree x
>
>Don't know
>
>Disagree
>
>Strongly disagree
>
>please incate by placing and x next to your choice.
>
>
>Please feel free to add any further comment if you wish.
One says agree but quite frankly could just as much be disagree. There
seems to be the underlying assumption that people are rational and that
with information all is well. People's actions arise out of much more
complex interactions. Disposition surely is the starting point and comes
out of people's desire and motivations, short term and long term which more
often than not are in conflict. Is internet information one element that
shapes attitudes , almost surely yes but only one element.
Best wishes
Philip
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