Human beings have evolved from being hunters and gatherers to a stage where we are able to rule outer space. All these were made possible due to human’s intelligence, perseverance and a feeling of being united socially and economically. The International Space Station for example is the product of 15 countries which has been operational since 2000. Over the past fifty years the course of development has changed the speed of social changes in our societies, families and our communities unmatched by any changes that had taken place during previous decades and centuries. We consider these changes as ‘development’, meaning we have progressively moved forward from being in a primitive stage of hunter gatherer to being able to rule the universe. Can we achieve more in the name of development?
Purpose of development
The popular saying ‘sky is the limit’ seems true to its meaning when it comes to man’s ingenuity on what man can achieve, which we proudly call development. There are also several accidental discoveries such as penicillin, Teflon, microwave oven, x-ray, pacemaker, uranium, etc., which further contributed immensely in countless technological developments in later years. But what we do and what we achieve as development has a purpose. Looking at what human beings have done in the name of development, it seems like the purpose of development is all related to nothing beyond human’s comfort. Is that the real meaning of or reason for development?Everything humans have done in economy, industry, science and technology, etc. are largely for we, the people. We have made laws and legislations, both national and international, all aimed at our own freedom and comfort, nothing more nothing less. If development as it is is the means and end in itself, we have done wonders but it is not. Sadly, there are also negative consequences of development, which we are not fully acknowledging or not trying to mitigate for the sake of future generations. From that perspective we may have failed the purpose of development and failed the future generation.
Capitalism and development
The contribution of capitalism must be recognised in creating wealth including in authoritarian countries but the exploitation by capitalist economies negatively impacting the wellbeing of average people and families is not well recognised and addressed as required. Sometimes it feels like the goals and means of development have been freed from the laboratories of the scientists and regulatory authorities and have become a captive of capitalism. With capitalism in full control not just of the economy but even the governance all aspects of development have been fully monetised. There is no denying that the cost of research and development have to be recouped but the outcomes of development have become a real business even in humanitarian fields such as COVID vaccines. The regulatory mechanism has failed the people in favour of development. The outlook of the entire planet and its inhabitants depends on how the future development works will be directed by the capitalist economy. It is likely that with the uncontrolled growth of new technology in the name of innovation will further adversely impact on the societal wellbeing of people.Future of development and SDG
Notwithstanding the myriad definition of sustainable development, the World Commission on Environment Development argues that the development can be considered sustainable only if it addresses the needs of the present without endangering the capabilities of future generations to meet their own needs. But the word sustainable development simply has become a catch phrase thrown everywhere without really comprehending its real meaning. Among many priorities, below are possibly the top urgencies in which we cannot fail for the survival of future generations. Will the future works in development consider these as critical beyond just palatable speeches?The energy consumption in all development works is emitting excessive amounts of greenhouse gases. About 80 to 85% of the energy consumed globally are based on fossil fuel. Based on current known reserves and current consumption patterns, natural gas, oil and coal will last for 49 years, 57 years and 139 years respectively. Some optimists may believe that we will have a new source of energy soon to replace these fossil fuels. When it comes to the environment, the world has not achieved much since the first UN conference on the environment in Stockholm in 1972 in mitigating the negative impact of using fossil fuel energy consumption. We have numerous conferences, talks, seminars and university courses but very little in practical terms.
Current agricultural practices are causing desertification of arable lands with excessive use of synthetic fertilisers together with GMO seeds and continued depletion of freshwater reserves. There is also acidification of seawater with continued dumping of untreated industrial wastes in the rivers. Will the above issues – energy and agriculture - most important issues for human survival be addressed seriously in future development works?
The unfettered spread of cyber technology and numerous ‘free’ applications available globally are negatively impacting mental health of children; not every girl can become a Barbie and not every boy can become a Rambo thus leading to disillusions and suicides. The advocates of social media say that ‘you will probably never know the exact reason why someone commits suicide; if someone really wants to die by way of suicide there is nothing one can do; the person committing suicide is trying to end their pain.’ But no question was asked as to what is causing the pain. Meanwhile the ever more sophisticated use of algorithms continues to supply addictive audio and video materials hooking children & youth for endless hours on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. The administrators of these platforms are fully protected by an army of lawyers and liability laws in most countries. Will these issues be addressed in the future development of cyber technology?
There is an implicit relationship between human development and income in addition to health and education. Income inequality and poverty have been topics of discussion among academics, politicians and policy makers for ever, yet income inequality remains a stubborn stumbling block in many countries. There is an explicit need for policy reform to address income inequality beyond the idea of charity, tax reform, redistribution, etc. which have been talked about and applied without much positive outcome. This field of study has produced many PhD theses and professors but not practical solutions.
The big talks like political liberty, freedom, basic civil rights and democracy have only hollow meanings for people who continue to be economically marginalised and deprived. The future of development must consider all above issues not as an academic interest but as practical issues, an issue of subsistence for the majority.
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Or contact Ramesh at ramesh.chauni@gmail.com
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