Well I have to correct my first assessment that after the description of the general idea there just follows how to implement it and how the process is going with the politicians. I have to admit that I flipped and just recently finished the whole book (in my defense: it is densely packed with information!).
Well there are some pretty good ideas in it! Personally the most important issue is that the author emphasizes how important it is not only to develop the TIR infrastructure (a merely technical problem), but also how the human mind and society have to change alongside it.
Distributed Capitalism
That means instead of a big factory for product A there are thousands of little producers distributed around the globe. That saves transportation costs and in case of food also increases the quality due to reduced use of antidegradants. It also adds a personal connection and appreciation to that product and its producer. In our current world that is so stuck in buying for the sake of buying this would be an important step forward.
It also would mean more creativity in the process of creating things as so many people are involved that do it by heart and are not blocked by the bureaucracy of big companies.
But one thing is necessary for this to work: The people have to say goodbye to the idea of standardized products that look always the same way. That is so fixed in our minds right now that fruits or wrapping of product that do not look perfect aren't bought and have to be thrown away (that's the reason I sometimes buy them on purpose, because what a waste!). This is even getting so worse, that until 2009 there existed an EEC regulation on different classes of cucumbers depending on their bending, also not in force anymore lots of traders still use that classes.
From Globalization to Continentalization
This is to see in conjunction with the distributed capitalism. If there are a lot of local entrepreneurs for the production of different products than the local community and relationships are what matters most and are the more effective means. That also, because the people of the same area have the same problems, ways of thinking and therefore understanding. In that respect it doesn't matter whether there is officially a border between them. In the book there is a very detailled explanation of Cascadia and how they work together and so creating a win-win situation, because due to the close proximity it is easier to exchange advantages each region/state/town has and thus creating a win-win-situation for all.
Retiring Adam Smith
Also a very good idea regarding a shift from economic theories based on outdated assumptions, that means from the holy grail of possession to the simple access. I already said something about it here and here.
A Classroom Makeover
It refers to the importance of changing the way we perceive the world around us. Due to our current way of living and educating our kids don't get into enough contact with the wilderness (both animal and plants). Different studies have shown how important that is as it is the best way to learn self-assurance, empathy and caring for the world's natural beauty and also inner peace and focus. If you have no emotional connection to nature how can you be expected to care for it. Therefore it has to have a positive meaning. And you get that by straying and exploring as a kid. It requires a lot of courage from parents to let their kids do that, but if we don't do it then the next generations will not be interested in protecting the planet or realise TIR infrastructures.
Conclusion
I like to cite the last sentence as it clearly states my own opinion on what we have to achieve in the next decades:
Only when we begin to think as an extended global family, that not only includes our own species but all of our fellow travelers in the evolutionary sojourn on Earth, will we be able to save our common biosphere community and renew the planet for future generations.
Make it so!
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| Image Credit: NASA/NOAA/GSFC/Suomi NPP/VIIRS/Norman Kuring; www.nasa.gov |
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