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living systems. Finally, it discusses what sustainable economies would look like
using this organic model.
Good Aspects of Globalisation
Globalisation is not all bad. It has brought us rapid world travel, increased
cultural exchange, the spreading of ideas and knowledge, and a new awareness of
the oneness of the planet. We have BBC World, CNN, satellite­relayed sport,
families communicating across the globe by email, Internet shopping, satellite
communications, and telephone, postal and air travel networks. We cooperate to
create a globalised postal service, Interpol, air­traffic control and telephone
communication. For many decades, the United Nations has encouraged
internationalism by operating global programmes for peace, human rights, health
and economic development.
No one who watched television during the millennium celebrations could
have failed to be moved by the fact that, despite our diversity and different time
zones, we came together as one human species, united in hope and celebration. In
New Zealand, citizens posted their dreams on the Internet, and many of these
messages were read out on television. Common among the sentiments were
wishes for peace, happiness, environmental sustainability and love. So, in our
knee­jerk reaction against ‘globalisation’ we certainly don’t have to abandon
internationalism and all the good things it brings.
Hazel Henderson, in Beyond Globalization, says that the problems and issues
we now face – for example, climate change, water pollution, desertification and
loss of biodiversity – have become global, beyond the reach of national