In: Economics
Transforming Cultures from Consumerism to Sustainability - Essay
Some 60 percent of ecosystem services are being despoiled or used unsustainably. The damage is the consequence of cultural systems which give confidence to people to describe their happiness in addition to success in terms of how much they consume. This propensity, together with unsustainable population growth rates, is overpowering our finite planet, intimidating to cause noteworthy disruptions to Earth's climate and ecosystems, and consequently to human civilization. Consumerism has engulfed human cultures and Earth’s ecosystems and if left unaddressed, we threat global disaster. However if we direct this wave, deliberately changing our cultures to center on sustainability, we will not only put off disaster, however may steer in an era of sustainability—one which allows all people to prosper whilst protecting, even restoring, Earth.
World watch Institute's Transforming Cultures plan turns a critical eye to how we can transfer today's consumer cultures in the direction of cultures of sustainability. The solution to this revolution will lie in harnessing institutions which play a vital role in shaping society— like media, educational services, business, governments, traditions, as well as social movements—to inspire this new cultural course.
The plan also seeks to bring women into educational, economic, political as well as health parity with men. This will necessitate the wearing away of cultural norms which endorse early and frequent childbearing while intensifying women's capability to decide when to bear children. Studies explain that such advances slow and ultimately end population growth, allowing for more sustainable growth all-inclusive.