Resourceism and *Global Democratic Governance
"For resourceism to be effectively implemented, a participatory democracy will be required to globally govern a civilization managed by a resource-based system."
Michael Corthell
Resourceism is a socio-economic system that advocates for the equitable and sustainable management of natural resources. The philosophy behind resourceism is that all of the Earth's resources are the common inheritance of all the world's people and should be shared equally for the benefit of all the Earth's inhabitants.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of democracy in a resource-based economy and how a global democratic government is necessary for the fair distribution of resources.
The concept of an 'intrinsic birthright' in the context of resourceism asserts that every individual, regardless of social status, nationality, or personal circumstances, has a fundamental entitlement to access and benefit from the Earth's abundant resources. It emphasizes that such access should be regarded as an inherent and unalienable right, rather than a privilege granted or restricted based on external factors. The philosophy of resourceism aims to ensure equitable and fair distribution of resources, recognizing the shared ownership and responsibility of all individuals towards the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources for the collective benefit of humanity.
Equitable Access to Resources
The current economic model is based on the idea of competition and consumption, which leads to a vast gap between the rich and the poor, social injustice, environmental degradation, and resource depletion. Resourceism, on the other hand, promotes the need for equitable access to resources for all, regardless of their financial status. This means that everyone will have equal access to essential resources like clean water, food, and other necessary resources for a decent standard of living. However, in order to achieve this, a global democratic government is needed.
Participatory Democracy
''The goal of global democratic governance is to ensure that the interests and needs of all individuals are taken into account in the global decision-making process and that decisions are made in a fair and just manner.''
Resourceism requires a global democratic government to ensure that resources are managed sustainably and equitably and that decisions are made collectively. Participatory democracy is a democratic system that emphasizes the participation of citizens in the decision-making process. It is an essential component of resourceism as it ensures that everyone has a say in how resources are distributed and used.
A global democratic government would be responsible for ensuring that resources are allocated in a fair and equitable manner. The government would be responsible for creating policies and regulations to manage the world's resources sustainably, to ensure that resources are not depleted, and to protect the environment. Participatory democracy would ensure that everyone's voice is heard, and decisions are made based on the needs of the people, not the desires of the powerful.
Environmental Sustainability
Resourceism prioritizes environmental sustainability by managing natural resources sustainably and protecting the ecosystem. This means that greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and pollution will be reduced, leading to a healthier planet for future generations. With sustainable resource management, we can ensure that the earth's resources are used responsibly, and future generations can enjoy their benefits without compromising their availability for the future.
Promoting Social Justice
Resourceism offers a more equitable approach to resource management, where everyone has equal access to resources. This means that the gap between the rich and the poor will be reduced, and people will have access to the resources they need to live a dignified life. Resourceism promotes social justice by ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to access essential resources. A global democratic government would ensure that resources are allocated based on need, not the desires of the wealthy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, resourceism is a socio-economic system that advocates for the equitable and sustainable management of natural resources. It prioritizes environmental sustainability, promotes social justice, and offers a solution to the global resource depletion crisis. However, in order to achieve these goals, a global democratic government is necessary. Participatory democracy is an essential component of resourceism, as it ensures that everyone's voice is heard, and decisions are made based on the needs of the people, not the desires of the powerful. It is time for us to move away from the current economic model and adopt a more sustainable and equitable approach to resource management. By doing so, we can create a fair and just world for all.
References:
Resourceism. (n.d.). Resource-Based Economy. Retrieved from https://resourcebasedeconomy.org
Dabaghi, A., & Golroo, H. (2019). The role of participatory democracy in achieving sustainable development. Journal of Cleaner Production, 236, 117606.
Hahnel, R. (2014). Economic justice and democracy: From competition to cooperation. Routledge.
Hines, C., & Rauschmayer, F. (2013). Transition to a resource-efficient and low-carbon Europe: The role of societal actors. Journal of Cleaner Production, 38, 7-17.
Raworth, K. (2017). Doughnut economics: Seven ways to think like a 21st-century economist. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Resourceism: The Ideology for an Equitable and Sustainable Future
The goal of global democratic governance is to ensure that the interests and needs of all individuals are taken into account in the global decision-making process and that decisions are made in a fair and just manner.