I thought people should know!

Our world is dying. And has been for some time. The industrial revolution brought with it
hope; of development, opportunity, and prosperity for all. This noble ideal has been replaced by brutal reality: mass exploitation, poverty, and untold ecological destruction. Rampant Capitalism has caused much suffering - and will destroy us unless action is taken soon.

The issue of sustainability is of utmost importance - to our generation more than any other. And whilst some effort has been made, (witness the slight progress on worldwide emissions control) it is undeniable that the continuation of our current way of life will result in disaster.

A working definition of "sustainability" demonstrates this certainty. A society must adhere to four guidelines if it to be considered sustainable:

> Prudent use of resources,
> Low environmental impact,
> Social justice and equality for all,
> Economic growth.

Western Capitalist society achieves a disappointing score of one; "Economic Growth". (And sometimes fails in this respect too - the recession of the 1980's being a modern example.) Capitalist society has scant regard for the environment, or for the future of it's children. Resources are plundered, processed, and disposed of with nothing but the cost in mind. All corporations base decisions on maximising profit; the ones that do not fail. Such is the nature of the "Free Market".

Supporters of Capitalism point to the standard of living in the West and call it "progress". But look beyond the national boundaries that capitalism transcended years ago - look to the Third World, or the Developing World. Most people don't have enough to eat; most people live in misery. This is due, in no small part, to the oppressive economic policies of the West.

These same policies are ravaging the natural world: 50,000 species become extinct every year due to the influence of Humans. If current trends continue, ALL rainforest ecosystems will have been eliminated by the year 2030. Fossil fuel supplies - barring coal - will run out in our lifetimes. The burning of coal is extremely polluting; increased use is likely to result in global climate change.

Such inequality and ecological devastation cannot continue.

The solution is simple. An immediate and drastic change in the politics and economics of the West. A rejection of extreme Capitalism and an embracing of "eco-socialism". Although "Economic growth" will undoubtedly slow, (indeed is likely to reverse) the potential social and environmental benefits are well worth the initial cost. Eco-socialism scores a healthy three on the sustainability scale suggesting a brighter future for all concerned; especially the downtrodden and oppressed.

The developing world must be given a chance. People should not be born into economic slavery as they are at present; we must promote equality on a global scale, rather than a national one. Resources should be invested in raising the standard of living of the masses to an acceptable level - not on providing luxury items for the affluent, decadent West. Similarly, we must give the environment a chance. A chance to recover. Environmental damage must not only drastically reduce, but cease altogether. Nay, more - Mankind must strive to impact positively on his surroundings; to appreciate that his position at the head of the natural world brings with it responsibilities as well as "rights".

Radical changes to our lifestyle and the way we view the world are essential if humanity is to survive in the long term. We can put these changes off, but not indefinitely. Sooner or later, the consequences of our actions will become apparent - by then it will be too late. "The future will be Green or not at all", argues Sir Jonathon Porritt. I am inclined to agree