I personally believe that no matter how the world changes, no matter how emergencies(like COVID) and environmental changes affect the world. The economic system surrounding mankind will never be weakened, and the economy and development conducive to mankind will always come first. I'm not agreeing with that but the world seems to work around that rule, and that's why businesses and corporations that understand human needs better make a lot of money, but that often conflicts with ethics and conservation. Some simple examples, more companies tend to go in the direction of human needs to get more customers than care about environmental protection, the plastic orange juice bottle in the class is a good example. As for the new energy industry such as electric cars, it is a good choice to protect the nature while benefiting the human beings. But if the government is aware of the problem and issues relevant incentives and benefits, most companies and enterprises would not take the risk to do these new projects. But in fact, in my value, I believe that human economic interests and environmental protection do not conflict, the two can develop at the same time. It's just that nowadays people are more focused in economic benefits and therefore ignore the environmental factor (completely ignore the environmental factor because it makes more money), which is terrible. In the world I envision, all people are still unable to get rid of the economic closed-loop and influenced by their own interests, but at the same time, all people can have the conscience of environmental protection and will not "throw caution to the wind for interests". When people strive for interests, they can also consider the protection of natural resources and the environment. I know it's hard, but we can work towards it. For the government, environmental protection and emission control policies (welfare and punishment) are the most important. Relevant policies can encourage and lead all people and enterprises to achieve the balance between interests and environmental protection to the greatest extent. For the public, we can consider buying more environmentally friendly products at similar prices (increasing the sales of these products will also encourage companies to continue their efforts toward more environmentally friendly products), such as reusable reusable bags instead of non-biodegradable plastic bags. I don't want millionaires or riches in upper classes to invest more money in environmental protection. After all, the money they earn is hard won, and they have worked hard to get it. But I do hope they can enjoy the luxury life while avoiding the behavior of damaging the environment( for example, take a private car trip instead of unnecessary car private plane trip, cause the plane’s emissions are way more ). Sometimes environmental protection and luxury do not conflict. Otherwise, the environmental actions of the people will be for nothing, and the efforts of all of us will remain meaningless.
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Hi Zhoujie,
I agree that for the most part that we shouldn't be having this us vs them mentality and focus on how we can change ourselves. However, I think the reason why we want millionaires to contribute to the environment is because they have capital in which they can invest into environmental issues. While 99% of the global population must focus on surviving and be responsible in financially supporting their family. As I remember talking in class about the social influence that millionaires/billionaires has on policy making. I think we focus on millionaires/billionaires in this aspect, where they can support our environment if they just funnel some finances towards this. However, you are completely correct that we as consumers must also make a change. That's why we all need to work together towards creating a better world for the generations that come after us.