Andy D'Agorne

Next time a Lib Dem or Labour member tells you that we need 'sustainable growth' to solve the problems of the planet, take a look at this You tube clip by George Monbiot at the 2007 Climate Change march: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVzmdTeAe2A&feature=related

His basic argument is that capitalism is inherently dependent on economic growth - in the next 20 years the current trend requires a doubling of the economy - ie use of doubling the use of the global resources that have ever been used to this point in time. He states that this is the only way that the supply of money can grow without inflation. Im old enough to remember the 70's, when we bought all our non perishable groceries at the beginning of the month on pay day as they would be more expensive by the end of the month. No one wants that, but equally we dont want a return to mass unemployment or further wars to 'help stimulate the US economy'

Think about this when you plan your next spending spree - buying Fair Trade at least goes some way to helping move things in the right direction, but we also need to think about repair and reuse as an option that doesnt fuel this continuing resource depletion of the planet. Will we look back on 2007/08 as the equivalent moment in history to 1926, just before the stock market crash? Those people who have allotments/ small holding and a low carbon footprint will be in a far better position to survive than people with big mortgages and lavish lifestyles. Join a CRAG group or do something to convince your employers that it is just possible 'business as usual' might not go on the same way for much longer.