Sustainability By Way of Democracy
- 6 years ago
What should be the role of world bodies vs. citizens when it comes to working towards a sustainable future?
Question: What are the priorities right now for sustainability? Gro Harlem Brundtland: Well, there is no doubt that the whole discussion globally about how to deal with the planet crisis is still, for most people, the most essential part. And it would be very unfortunate unless we find ways to deal seriously with the climate crisis and to prevent it. Unless that happens, we certainly are not going to see sustainable development as we look ahead. Question: Have those priorities changed since 1987? Gro Harlem Brundtland: When you look at all of the elements that are on the table and in the discussion, even linked up to the climate change discussion, all the key issues linked to the sustainable concept itself are part of that discussion. So, it's not as if something has been completely lost as we focus on climate because in the whole area of adaptation of all the sectors that need to be involved to deal with reducing the impact upon our climate, we touch most issues which are relevant in a sustainable development complex. Question: What should be the role of world bodies vs. citizens when it comes to working towards a sustainable future? Gro Harlem Brundtland: I think whether you look at the question of the way our democracies, most countries are today democracies, although not all. Democracy means public participation and it means at the same time, elected representatives and democratic institutions that can help safe guard the way the people live together and the way we live in relationship with the surrounding world and our environment. So, whether you look at it at a national level, or at the global level, there is this direct link between public participation and engagement and the way that leaders who have been elected or who are in any case responsible for the future of their people, how they can act together and have a vision and method of moving ahead in a consistent and sustainable manner. Question: What can be done to unwind some of that politics that's consumed the issues of climate change? Gro Harlem Brundtland: I think there is truth to say that a lot of politics and positioning and different national interests and prospectives have entered into this global and very key issue. This happens, in many cases, where important issues are at stake. So, it's not something only specific for the climate issue. But here you have major powers and you have major sectors, businesses, which are used to having a strong influence in the many countries, and they all are positioning themselves and pushing for their own interests, even short-term. So, there is a challenge to people across the world beyond this and a challenge to leaders as we saw happening in Copenhagen, by the way, that they have to put their heads together and feel responsible as a team across borders, not just politicking in their own national framework. Recorded on February 26, 2010
Question: What are the priorities right now for sustainability? Gro Harlem Brundtland: Well, there is no doubt that the whole discussion globally about how to deal with the planet crisis is still, for most people, the most essential part. And it would be very unfortunate unless we find ways to deal seriously with the climate crisis and to prevent it. Unless that happens, we certainly are not going to see sustainable development as we look ahead. Question: Have those priorities changed since 1987? Gro Harlem Brundtland: When you look at all of the elements that are on the table and in the discussion, even linked up to the climate change discussion, all the key issues linked to the sustainable concept itself are part of that discussion. So, it's not as if something has been completely lost as we focus on climate because in the whole area of adaptation of all the sectors that need to be involved to deal with reducing the impact upon our climate, we touch most issues which are relevant in a sustainable development complex. Question: What should be the role of world bodies vs. citizens when it comes to working towards a sustainable future? Gro Harlem Brundtland: I think whether you look at the question of the way our democracies, most countries are today democracies, although not all. Democracy means public participation and it means at the same time, elected representatives and democratic institutions that can help safe guard the way the people live together and the way we live in relationship with the surrounding world and our environment. So, whether you look at it at a national level, or at the global level, there is this direct link between public participation and engagement and the way that leaders who have been elected or who are in any case responsible for the future of their people, how they can act together and have a vision and method of moving ahead in a consistent and sustainable manner. Question: What can be done to unwind some of that politics that's consumed the issues of climate change? Gro Harlem Brundtland: I think there is truth to say that a lot of politics and positioning and different national interests and prospectives have entered into this global and very key issue. This happens, in many cases, where important issues are at stake. So, it's not something only specific for the climate issue. But here you have major powers and you have major sectors, businesses, which are used to having a strong influence in the many countries, and they all are positioning themselves and pushing for their own interests, even short-term. So, there is a challenge to people across the world beyond this and a challenge to leaders as we saw happening in Copenhagen, by the way, that they have to put their heads together and feel responsible as a team across borders, not just politicking in their own national framework. Recorded on February 26, 2010