Let us assume that one of those pesticolas/ food materials  creates havoc on the health of your dear and near. To protect yourself and your dear and near from vulnerability, you go to a doctor who is one among those who is determined to make a quick buck. To reach the clinic, you drive a four wheeler which churns out venoms of carbon fumes to the atmosphere.

The interesting fact is that all these negative factors listed above become positive factors during the calculation of GDP. And it is this GDP (or it’s relatives) that get projected as an indicator during many of the dialogues related to growth/ development. So, while calculating GDP, maximum exploitation of water resources which may lead to the fall of ground water level is still considered positive because it is an economic activity.

Unhindered usage of pesticide and fertilizers are considered positive because its manufacture, distribution and consumption is considered an economic activity. A doctor/hospital fleecing a patient for more money is considered positive because it adds to the economic activity. Increased production and consumption of fuel-guzzling SUVs are considered positive because it adds to the economic activity.

Polluters Don’t Really Pay  

At the same time, automobile manufacturers/ consumers do not have to pay for the health related expenses that pedestrians, who inhale polluted fumes are forced to shell out. Such absurdity get exacerbated when we take into consideration that calculation of economic indicators are based on short term perspectives and not long term vision. Sustaining a forest (which ensures pure water and oxygen) would thus be assigned less economic weightage as compared to the option of developing a mine from the same geographical area).

Lets move aside. From our own personal experience, we can infer that a stable family life devoid of tensions related to divorces, quarrels etc. helps us to be more productive at whatever we do (including our professional pursuits) and keeps us at ease with things around the world. It also helps us build and maintain good relationships with others. So doesn’t it make logical sense to include these parameters when we are taking into account the concept of “development”?

Such ideas inspired people to come with indicators like Gross National Happiness, Genuine Progress Indicator etc (Some interesting articles about these indicators are available in the articles section at www.globalsystemchange.com, a website maintained by Frank Dixon, Managing Director - Research, Innovest Venture Partners, the largest sustainability investing firm in the world).

Bhutan Can, Why Can’t We ? 

With exceptions like Bhutan, we are yet to find federal governments actively supporting such indicators. If Bhutan, with its Buddhist ethos, can engage the world with such ideas, India, with its cultural ethos rooted in universality, and harmony with all beings including the ecology, too need to support such initiatives at a local and federal level.

Ajith Sankar

ajithsrn@EcologyFund.net