27. Recognizing the Need for Change (First Movement)

Chapters in the Conclusions Suite overview the evolving argument of the book, represented in the previous ‘Movements’ of the argument’s Symphonic form. Chapter 27, representing the First Movement in the book’s Symphony, draws together the premise of the Kyoto Manifesto, that in the 21st Century, society is rapidly approaching a ‘tipping point’ beyond which recovery could be impossible. Basic is the observation that is increasingly being described as that the earth has entered a new age, the ‘Anthropocene’, where human activity is now altering the overall physical dynamics of the planet at an alarming exponential rate. The underlying dynamic for this impact is born out of global economics. Endangered are our food supplies, our social structures and welfare. At heart is massive and increasing inequality, highly centralized profit-oriented ownership. The global economy not only invades but disempowers alternate action, yet the philosophies of ‘neo-liberalism’ (‘let the market rule’) and growth continue unabated. Ultimately, infinite growth in a finite system is an impossibility. Cracks in the fabric of globalization are starting to emerge.