Kajan Kort
Once in a while I like to think big. Thinking on a big scale may clarify and simplify a certain problematic mechanism. Sustainable development is in my eyes challenged with a vast network of intertwined problematic mechanisms, referring to the current way of energy usage for example. But in problematic mechanisms I see challenges and not merely problems.
I ask you to join my thought experiment and step inside the meta level-hot air balloon. We go as high as needed to see the world we live in with unprejudiced eyes. Today's side-seeing program: dependency on undesirability.
Everywhere you can see it. A lot of jobs worldwide are based upon this deeply integrated mechanism, let alone a solely existential reason: undesirable practices. Those practices should not exist in an ideal world. Don't get me wrong, it may be something that can never be completely banned. But in my eyes people should never be seduced to believe undesirable practices are good or necessary in any way, how paradoxical that may sound. So what do I mean when saying: 'undesirable practices'? I mean all the things that you won't like to happen to you, as a human being instead of a businessman. Being stolen from, becoming sick, having an accident, etc.
The need for policemen is (partly) dependent on the existing crime in society, insurance companies make large profits because car accidents happen regularly, the financial department of the (Dutch) government is dependent on the tax revenues from fossil fuels and tobacco, and many many more examples could follow. If you let go of the arguments that this dependency is 'not harmful to sustainable development' because the 'undesired mechanisms' will never be eliminated, there is room for thoughts on an idealized world.
Which undesired mechanisms can we possibly eliminate? What about making car traffic the safest possible by using the newest safest technology on the planet? What about making policy makers independent of tax revenues from fossil fuels? And another: What about rethinking strategies to eliminate crime? Not to mention the dirty fraudulent tricks to economically kidnap poor farmers with patented seeds (yes, I am referring to Monsanto)?! Or the computer anti-virus companies who may or may not have created viruses where only they have the suitable anti-virus software for!
It seems like a lot of jobs on this planet are (partly) dependent on a vast amount of undesirabilities. This is sad. This shouldn't happen. Not in an ideal world. Not in the future. But where there is dependency, there is a large reluctance to change. In line with that thought it is understandable that the policy makers won't eagerly implement new laws that would effectively eliminate the usage of fossil fuels. In that line of thought is is understandable that car insurance companies might be recalcitrant towards technologies that will effectively reduce car accidents. In that line of thought it is understandable that pharmaceutical companies would benefit when more people become sick from an illness they have a medicine for.
But understandable doesn't mean acceptable.
We as a society should fight the dependency on undesirable practices as much as possible. This requires a reflection of everyone on the existence of their jobs. On their opinions, actions, habits, culture, etc. To wrap it up: it is OK that there are companies working on making innovative products out of waste materials, like it is OK that companies make money inventing medicines for curing scars. But those companies should not be focused on maximizing their profits and increasing their businesses. Does your involvement harm others? stop! Does your involvement depend on undesirable practices? Find solutions and make yourself redundant! That would be so nice.