What I miss is the distinction between "ecological sustainability" and
"economic sustainability." I think that ecosystems can be sustained *at
the expense of* economic development. That, however, is not a good
decision in some cases. It is very difficult to say to Africans that
they have to accept a lower standard of living than, say, Norwegians
because we want to 'sustain' gorilla habitat. Or at least it is
difficult for governments to say that, personally I don't have much
trouble with it.
Steven
"Past the seeker as he prayed came the
crippled and the beggar and the beaten. And
seeing them, he cried, 'Great God, how is it
that a loving creator can see such things
and yet do nothing about them?' God said, I
did do something. I made you."
Sufi Teaching
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion forum for environmental ethics.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Paul Kirby
Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2002 10:14 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Competition and sustainability
Maybe I have missed it but I dont think I have seen the word
'efficiency' arise in the discussion of sustainability and competition.
If competition drives organisations (or organisms) to minimise resource
need (inputs) for the same or greater output then competition could be
seen (in certain
circumstances) to be a driver of sustainability. Extravagent
consumption of raw materials is punished in a competitive environment.
Regards
PK
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