I have always thought that “progress” was a double-edged sword - whereby we enjoy a higher standard of living, but we produce much more waste. It may be true in some areas but sometimes it is not so simple.

Some interesting facts from the EPA - (From the Book Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know)

Between 1970 and 2018:

1. US population grew by 60%

2. Vehicle miles travelled increased 191%

3. Gross domestic product grew 275%

4. Energy consumption grew by 49%

You would think that this would increase environmental impact by a LOT due to the increase in people using resources.

BUT

CO2 emissions only increased 22% in that timeframe.  Total emissions of the six principal air pollutants (Co2, Lead, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, smoke, sulphur dioxide)  DECREASED by 74%!

How is this possible? 

Well, some scholars have postulated that a society in the midst of initial economic growth will create a deteriorating environmental footprint as they industrialise and spread their economic wings. However, within a few decades as that prosperity propagates to more and more of the population, the citizenry will demand environmental controls and regulations. They will be more conscious of their environmental footprint and will have the time and mental space to care about bigger things than survival. Many of the less than scrupulous means of earning a living in the world are engaged in due to desperation and lack, not maliciousness. It seems economic prosperity and morality go hand in hand. 

We need to keep this in mind when we read about “other places” that are not as environmentally conscious as we may be here in comfy North America. Those countries may be at a different stage of economic growth than us and, therefore, have not had the luxury of time and/or resources to make the necessary changes to their environmental protection behaviours.

This also applies to individuals and communities that are struggling financially. You may want to judge the moral compass of someone who is willing to cross the line to make ends meet, but morality is much easier to live by when you are fed. Crime is more often driven by need than by greed. 

The logical conclusion here, is that wealth leads to many sociological improvements. Clean water, better sanitation, a healthier populace, lower birth rates, less crime, and egalitarian policies that decrease the likelihood of discrimination based on sex, race, or sexual orientation.

Wealth is good. Yes, there are some who will use wealth as a weapon to control or dominate others. Yes there is still greed and corruption. I am not saying there are not some bad actors in the world. Far from it. But we have data that proves that economic prosperity and the distribution of wealth in an inclusive economic system is good for everyone. We can fight crime by giving everyone a chance to prosper, instead of setting  them up for failure and then punishing them for failing. 

In my new book (coming July 2021) I dive deep into this philosophy. I uncover the reasons why there is economic disparity in the world and explore some ideas that have attempted to counteract this income gap. I suggest new ways of thinking, and perhaps plant the seeds for future generations to prosper and flourish within a new economic paradigm.

I believe that the world is on a positive trajectory, based on the data. There is never progress without strife.

“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

I am an optimist. I can’t help but believe that the world is getting better, as I study more and more about economics and read great books such as “Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know”. I am constantly running into facts and ideas that indicate that we are constantly more prepared to live well. We have a plethora of tools available to us to succeed and information is readily available to those who seek it out.