Let's strive for eco-justice, says green bishop

Under threat

“Our life system support is under threat, thanks to overconsumption and global warming,” Davies said, urging all citizens to seek the rediscovery of values and principles and strive for justice and equity that must include justice for all. Justice should be applied to all living beings of this world, including nature.”

Bishop Davies was speaking at the 2010 Flux Trends Review currently taking place at the University of Johannesburg' Arts Centre in Auckland Park.

Davies added, “We should promote the development of legal rights of earth and nature and seek to live in harmony with nature. We should also become eco-centric and cease to be egocentric, while constantly reminding ourselves of the beautiful planet we have been given.”

Only possible

Davies said a real sustainable future will only be possible if communities establish eco-justice based on economic and ecological values. Furthermore, he questioned how 10% of the world's richest own 85% of global assets while 50% of the world's poor population only receive a mere 1% of the world's total income.

“Research shows that an equitable society has less violence and better health. How can we live in peace and harmony while such an amount of inequality occurs in our societies?” he asked.

Reports say that South Africa, Africa's economic powerhouse, is the world's most unequal society, with about 40% of people living below the poverty line and surviving on less than R20 (US$2.20) per day.

“The earth community is under threat because the present economic system has allowed capital to flourish while people and planet suffer,” he pointed out.

“New economic principles”

“New economic principles should be based on the economy bounded by eco-systems limits, equity for present and future generations, reverence for life, meeting human needs to improve the quality of life and flexibility and innovation, and self-realisation for development and not limited growth,” Davies advised.

He also said the next three to four years will be crucial in what decision SA takes on its energy policies.

“I believe that the way to go is renewable energy, which I think has so much potential. Do we follow the fuel, fossil and nuclear route, the one that leads to conflict and environmental destruction, or do we take the renewable route?” he asked.

“We can do it”

“We can do it. We don't need Eskom to hike its rates to raise money for future investments. We need to develop democracy, good governance, justice and equity and access to resources and seek justice for all that include treating all living beings with respect and consideration, he said.

For more, go to www.fluxtrends.co.za. Bizcommunity.com is a media partner.