Arthur Cordell Wrote:
>In a globalized world there will be harmonization
>(of wages, working conditions, environment, etc.), do we want to try to
>achieve upward harmonization or do we allow a drift to lower standards.
>There will be harmonization: At what level. I (as you can gather) would
>like to have the world harmonize upward to what we call development and
>as much as possible not reach harmonization by having the presently
>developed give up the hard won gains of development.
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How do we define higher or lower standards of development? Does upwards
harmonization equal access to a consumer society that is inherently
unsustainable? Is a simpler life style of lesser quality?
The present rate of resource consumption that supports developed
countries is totally unsustainable from an environmental perspective. (see
Our Ecological Footprint). It is not sustainable to raise the whole world
to our Canadian standard of living.
I find it is an interesting paradox to support the move of work, access to
income and development of markets to less developed countries such as
those in Central and South America and at the same time see the loss of
jobs in Canada occur. It is fortunate for some and unfortunate for others.
Our definitions of lifestyle and quality of life needs to be redefined.
Deborah Middleton
MES Faculty of Environmental Studies
York University
