The Problems of Humanity: A Sustainable Economy
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of agriculture in tropical deforestation. According to SEI, agriculture is responsible for 90% to 99% of all deforestation in these regions. However, only about half of this deforestation leads to agricultural production expansion.
Key commodities like pasture, soy, and palm oil are significant contributors to deforestation linked to active agricultural land. Therefore, policy responses should focus on strengthening forest and land-use governance in producer countries.
These interventions should extend beyond managing specific commodities and risks, promoting partnerships between producer and consumer markets and governments. Implementing robust incentive-based measures can make sustainable agriculture economically appealing, discouraging further conversion of native vegetation.
There is an urgent need for a more solid evidence base to better target deforestation reduction efforts, particularly concerning overall conversion trends and the expansion of specific commodities. Policymakers and individual countries must prioritize realizing the Glasgow Declaration on Forests’ ambition, necessitating a significant shift in efforts to effectively tackle deforestation and promote sustainable rural development.
Source: SEI
THE PROBLEM OF CAPITAL, LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the Lucis Trust offer views that intersect on the importance of systemic change and balanced, sustainable practices.
SEI’s analysis emphasizes that 90-99% of tropical deforestation is due to agriculture1. The report calls for stronger governance in producer countries and economic incentives for sustainable agriculture1. It also advocates for partnerships between producer and consumer markets and governments1.
The Tibetan Master, in its discussion on capital, labor, and employment, stresses the need for a balance between capital (the resources used to create goods) and labor (the human work needed to produce goods)2. He suggests that the problem isn’t capital or labor itself, but rather how these elements are used and distributed2. He calls for a new economic order based on sharing, cooperation, and justice2.
These two perspectives intersect when considering the role of sustainable agricultural practices in mitigating deforestation and promoting fair labor practices. SEI’s call for sustainable agriculture aligns with the Master’s call for a more equitable distribution of resources. If implemented correctly, sustainable agriculture can reduce deforestation while also providing fair employment opportunities. This could lead to a more balanced relationship between capital and labor, as advocated by the Tibetan Master.
In summary, both points of view advocate for systemic changes that promote sustainability and fairness. By applying these principles to the issue of deforestation, we can develop strategies that not only protect our environment but also promote social justice.
Footnotes
- https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/agriculture-drives-more-than-90-of-tropical-deforestation/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- https://www.lucistrust.org/online_books/problems_humanity/chapter_iii_the_problem_capital_labour_and_employment ↩ ↩2 ↩3
The proposition set forth by New York State, aiming to halt global imports stemming from deforestation, is indeed a significant stride in environmental policy. However, let’s review the issues at hand.
On one hand, the proposed law could prompt multinational corporations to critically examine their supply chains, potentially leading to more sustainable practices. This could, in turn, help preserve forests and protect those who valiantly defend them1.
Yet, the problem of deforestation should be described with more than just the broad strokes of corporate responsibility and environmental conservation. It is also intricately detailed with the economic realities of developing nations.
Many countries rely heavily on the export of goods connected to deforestation, such as timber, palm oil, or soy. An outright ban on these imports could strike a heavy blow to their economies, possibly destabilizing their balance of payments2. This could exacerbate poverty and increase the pressure on agricultural land as people strive to make ends meet, ironically leading to more deforestation3.
Moreover, empirical evidence suggests that import bans may not be as effective as one might hope. A study found that banning high-deforestation palm oil had limited impact on preventing forest loss4.
So, should we support such a measure? That depends on our perspective. If we believe that drastic measures are necessary to combat deforestation and hold corporations accountable, then such a law might seem like a step in the right direction. However, if we’re concerned about the potential economic repercussions for developing nations and doubt the efficacy of import bans, we may need a more balanced approach.
The question of deforestation and its economic drivers is a complex one, requiring a nuanced approach that balances environmental protection with economic realities. The solution must be found with careful attention to detail, thoughtful reasoning, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of global systems.
Footnotes
- https://phys.org/news/2022-12-eu-imports-deforestation.html ↩
- https://www.schroders.com/en/malta/professional/insights/deforestation_what_could_be_the_market_impact_of_new_eu_ban/ ↩
- https://economics.mit.edu/sites/default/files/2022-09/ARE_Tropical_Deforestation-3.pdf ↩
- https://news.mongabay.com/2022/03/banning-high-deforestation-palm-oil-has-limited-impact-on-saving-forests-study/ ↩
Quarterly Conference in Shamballa
Today we observe the September Equinox. The Lord of the World meets quarterly “in conference with all the Chohans and Masters” of the planetary spiritual Hierarchy to deliberate and agree on “what shall be done to further the ends of evolution” (Initiation, Human and Solar by Alice A. Bailey, p. 106). These conferences aim to generate inspiration for solutions, while respecting the principle of human free will.
The ongoing challenges within the global economy would likely be a key topic of discussion. As the Sun moves into Libra, the conversation may naturally lean towards reassessing the balance between capital, labor and employment. The deforestation of our planet’s lungs — the world’s forests — serves as a prime example of this imbalance. The Law of Right Human Relations offers guidance towards a resolution. Essentially, it is an “air” (Libra) issue, concerning the intelligent allocation of resources (oxygen) to support life on Earth as part of a revamped global economic system.
Sources:
- World Economic Outlook, October 2022
- The global economy is under pressure — but how bad is it?
- Global Economy on Track but Not Yet Out of the Woods
- World Economic Situation and Prospects: February 2023
May we contribute to finding solutions to humanity’s challenges by symbolically participating in these Quarterly Conferences in Shamballa through the recitation of this Mantra:
Affirmation of the Disciple
I am a point of light within a greater Light.
I am a strand of loving energy within the stream of Love divine.
I am a point of sacrificial Fire, focused within the fiery Will of God.
And thus I stand
I am a way by which men may achieve.
I am a source of strength, enabling them to stand.
I am a beam of light, shining upon their way.
And thus I stand.
And standing thus, revolve
And tread this way the ways of men,
And know the ways of God.
And thus I stand.
https://www.lucistrust.org/mantrams/affirmation_the_disciple
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