Greed culture' killing planet
SUZANNE GOLDENBERG, WASHINGTON
January 14, 2010
THE average American consumes more than his or her weight in products each day, fuelling a global culture of excess that is emerging as the biggest threat to the planet, according to a new report.
In its annual report, Worldwatch Institute says the cult of consumption and greed could wipe out any gains from government action on climate change or a shift to a clean energy economy.
''Until we recognise that our environmental problems, from climate change to deforestation to species loss, are driven by unsustainable habits, we will not be able to solve the ecological crises that threaten to wash over civilisation,'' Worldwatch project director Erik Assadourian said.
Humanity is burning through the planet's resources at a reckless rate, the US thinktank said. The world now digs up the equivalent of 112 Empire State buildings of material every day to meet surging global demand.
The consumer culture has spread from America across the globe, it said, with excess now accepted as a symbol of success in developing countries from Brazil to India.
China, already the biggest producer of greenhouse gas emissions, this week overtook the US as the world's top car market.
Such trends were not a natural consequence of economic growth, the report said, but the result of deliberate efforts by businesses to win over consumers.
The average Western family spends more on their pet than is spent by a human in Bangladesh.
The report did, however, note some encouraging signs. It said schools were trying to encourage healthier eating habits among children.
A younger generation was also more aware of their environmental impact, while US corporations such as Wal-Mart were stocking organic produce and sustainably raised fish.
It said a wholesale transformation of values and attitudes was needed to end the world's obsession with conspicuous consumption.
GUARDIAN