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Economic crisis an opportunity to change: Stephen Lewis
by Jodie Martinson
November 12, 2008
Stephen Lewis says the current economic downturn provides an opportunity to reassess the capitalist economic system in a time of climate change crisis.
While the world's attention turns from climate change to failing free markets, the former UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa and self-proclaimed social democrat argued that the global financial downturn offers a chance to change the system entirely.
"There is a tendency for capitalism to show an extraordinary resilience, so if it ever shows weakness as is the case now, it's necessary to zero in at this moment and make the case [for an alternative system]."
Severn Suzuki, daughter of environmentalist David Suzuki, echoed Lewis’ argument. She said she was "depressed" by the way media coverage was moving from environmental to economic hardships until she realized that it meant the capitalist system could be challenged.
"This crisis is an opportunity because suddenly light is being shone on a faulty economic system," said Suzuki. "We are realizing this dangerous economic system is out of date and it is crumbling."
She continued to say that now is the time to assess if the economy is serving our society’s values.
The two were speaking at an event on the UBC campus organized by Students for Sustainability, a 30-day speaking tour visiting 21 campuses across Canada. The tour, according to the event’s Web site, wants to send a message to government leaders that students want action on climate change now.
Lewis criticized the Canadian government's climate change plan. "The passivity and indifference, the sort of somnambulant negligence which characterizes the political response, is terrifying," he said.
He cited a recent assessment by George Monbiot, left-wing columnist for The Guardian in the UK, that a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is required by 2030 or "we will simply lose the planet."
He added that Sir Nicholas Stern, a former vice-president of the World Bank, called recently for a 70% reduction by 2050.
"This makes [Canada's] so-called 20% targets by 2020…look palpably ridiculous," Lewis said. "If we don't move with enormous, almost supernatural rapidity, I think there's going to be some kind of cataclysm between 2030 and 2050."
In another event on campus, Thomas Ferenczi from LeMonde, France's most-reputed daily newspaper, spoke of the European Union's response to climate change. He said that the economic slowdown is fuelling objections from some business leaders against the EU's climate change policy.
He added that the other side, NGOs and environmentalists, argues that investments in greening the economy will bring new jobs and increase the competitiveness of European economies.
"It is more important than ever that we move ahead with our energy and climate package not despite the financial crisis, but at least in part because of it," said Ferenczi, quoting José Manuel Barroso, the European Commission president.
Lewis characterized the fight against climate change as a fight for survival.
"If I had my life to do over again, if I was in your position as students, I would focus much much more on the environment," he said.
"The 21st century economy absolutely must serve a sustainable way of life," concluded Suzuki.
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