I have been reading the Pew Global Attitudes Project report. It is an interesting read and covers a range of topics. The main crux of the report is how the world is changing its view of the US, now that Obama is the president. It addresses extremism, world trade, how people view their own lives, and even swine flu. The most important part to me, was the world’s view of the environment.
Leading the list in concern is Brazil. Ninety percent of those surveyed consider the environment to be a serious issue. The list that had a response rate of 2/3 or more that are concerned about the environment included Argentina, France, South Korea, India, Turkey, Japan and Mexico. Are you curious as to where America falls? Out of 25 countries surveyed, the US tied with Russia to be third from the bottom! The only people who care less are Poland and China. So, it is those of the world who do the most damage who care the least. What does that say about us and our standing in the world? And concern is on the rise in most countries. In the Middle East (like Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon) concern has risen by over 10 percentage points just since last year.
They asked the question as to whether the environment should take precedence over economic growth. The results were truly telling. Those countries whose economy had a good year (Brazil, China, and India) were most like to respond that the environment should be more important than the economy. Those countries who didn’t fare as well this year were far less likely to agree with them.
Nationalism and politics plays into the results of this survey as well. When asked which country was most trusted to figure out a solution to the Global Warming issue, several countries chose themselves as best suited: US, China, India, Brazil, and Germany all think that they are most trusted to find a solution. Kenya, Nigeria, Israel, Indonesia and Canada agree with the US. Most of Western Europe believe in Germany. The rest of the results are across the board.
The survey simply shows the results, and doesn’t give out the commentary. So, naturally I will. As usual, we as people on the planet are more concerned with our economic success than anything else. we say we want to save the planet for our children, but are more concerned with making the money than saving the environment, so the next generation has a planet worth living on. If we spent more time instilling the values that will break this cycle, and less effort on trying to have enough money to buy our way out of it, then the next generation will have more on their side. The one thing that was missing from this report was the ultimate solution. What is economies could expand and grow by saving the environment? The truth is, we can do both. The one thing that I took away from the Sustainability Summit, is that you can do good and make a living. That has to be our goal if any real change is to happen.
Tags: Green Policies, politics, Public opinion
So few think it can be done…(save the planet and make a living) I think that’s the message that needs to be put out there stronger. In a capitalist society we have to market to those capitalists in a way they understand. Don’t say recycle to prevent overfilling our landfills. We should be telling them the economic recourse everyone could enjoy by recycling. It’s the only way to get through to this country. If we make it sound like a get rich quick idea, more people would apt to following through with it.
I hate that it takes that, but if it works, why not.
I agree! Maybe we should start sending out emails that come from a nephew of the king of Tanzania, and people will start to listen up.