It was my work for Greenpeace that provided for several visits to the World Economic Forum (WEF), taking place annually in Davos, Switzerland at the end of January. Once, as an official guest of the WEF, I repeatedly belonged to the minority, drawing attention to the fact that too much has run out of control in the global economy and will do so until fundamental changes towards a sustainable economy are implemented. What can I say, a caller in the desert will probably find more attention (as we say in German).
Interestingly, the founder and head of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, talks in the Hamburger Abendblatt about the limits of globalization and the social responsibility of top managers. He said: “In Switzerland, the popular vote on the unconditional basic income has recently taken place, and 23 per cent of the citizens were in favour of it, and I think the idea of a basic income is basically plausible. The discussion about it will be much progressed in ten years time compared to today.”
Ever so often a CEO has confessed to me – of course, strictly confidential – that he is fully aware that today’s global economy is not sustainable. He would, however, continue till binding rules (laws) are put in place, which force all to act accordingly. Quick fortunes from rogue behaviour are seemingly too tempting for such weak characters. Unfortunately it needs the force of law! In view of the ever increasing damage caused to humanity and nature by this irresponsible behaviour, we wonder what our governments are waiting for!?