Club of Rome haunts again

Remember the Club of Rome? A small group of eminent persons that stole the headlines over three decades ago? They minced no words in telling the world that the planet earth was close to breaking point under the weight of the developmental efforts. The overexploitation of natural resources combined with the law of diminishing returns and environmental pressures was testing tolerance levels. Short of predicting an apocalypse, the club urged go slow to keep at bay the ravages of growth. 

The club's findings made big news for a while and then faded away. Though well argued its thesis, did not stand parsing. It was also charged with blowing out of proportion the negative factors while discounting the enormous potential of technology, scientific discoveries and inventions. Quoting the 19th century economist Jevons, critics shelled the Club for crying wolf. Jevons found alarming the depleting coal reserves in Great Britain. The spectacular growth seen in the world economy since the Club of Rome's splash, shortened its report's shelf life.

Now the issues the club highlighted are back in a different form. The world economy is growing at an annual clip of 2-3% for a long time now. As a result, the standard of living doubles in every 25 years. What price that growth? 

In the first place, high growth leads to income inequalities with fewer people getting better off than the rest. Second, the damage to environment - global worming, polluted waterways etc. - getting out of control. And the governments by and large, lack the will power to tackle the twin problem. The GDP cult - growth at any cost - comes in the way. 

As for environment, the attitude is far more criminal and disheartening. The steps needed to protect the ecosystem are not GDP-friendly. So the issue is put in the back burner. President Bush even wanted the carbon dioxide left alone as, in his judgment, its abundant supply was good for plant life. 

On the whole, things are moving to a point beyond which there is apparent disaster. The question of bridging the income gaps hangs in balance breeding extremism of all sorts. Environmental protection also does not brook delayed action. All the same, there is a silver lining amidst the encircling gloom. Over a period of time, environment protection measures by themselves could spawn a major industry capable of generating growth impulses right across the globe. 

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