Robert Kocis I. The Problem – A spectre is haunting the industrial and post-industrial world — the spectre of job insecurity. While globalization explains some job insecurity (jobs have been shifted from the more- to the less-developed parts of the world), the greater threat emerges from artificial intelligence (AI), computerization, and robotization, which threaten jobs … [Read more...] about Post-Job Societies
Focus on Pages
The "Focus On" section provides in-depth information and opinion on many facets of sustainability. (Although these topics may appear quite distinct and separate, it’s important to remember that they are interconnected and interdependent in multiple ways — in general, the 4 basic principles of ecology apply to all complex systems.)
When you select a Focus On… topic, the system will select all the articles and posts in that category with the most recent pages at the top, just under a brief introduction to the topic. (Many articles appear in multiple categories.)
Background & detail information is organized into the main categories listed in the left sidebar.
Economy, Business, Finance
Two of the six Alliance goals focus on the importance of the local economy. In order to create equitable and livable communities, we need strong local economies and businesses need to adopt sustainable practices. This includes operations, sourcing & supply chains, and minimizing waste.
Exploitation of the Powerless: The Essence of Capitalism
Philip Reiss My American Heritage Dictionary of The English Language defines a welfare state as "A social system whereby the state assumes primary responsibility for the welfare of citizens." This definition didn't say ALL citizens. So, it seems it's open for interpretation. Also, what is meant by social system? A definition of the term social system is not presented per se. … [Read more...] about Exploitation of the Powerless: The Essence of Capitalism
Identity Crisis?
Martin Boksenbaum Wouldn't it be great to win the lottery and live like one of the rich and famous and powerful? At least that's something to aim for, isn't it, living the upscale life-styles the media flashes before our eyes? Whoa! Is somebody screwing with our brains? What exactly is the reality of our situations anyway? What do we need to be conscious of as … [Read more...] about Identity Crisis?
Marx and Earth-First Socialism
Alex Fischer "A new report from the United Nations" climate panel warns humanity has only a dozen years to mitigate global warming and limit the scope of global catastrophe. Otherwise, millions will be imperiled by increasing droughts, floods, fires and poverty. The sweeping report by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change urges immediate and unprecedented … [Read more...] about Marx and Earth-First Socialism
What professors and Fast Food Workers Have In Common
Elizabeth Oram My father was a tenured professor at a large southern university. His income provided a secure, middle class life for our family of four in the 1960s. But my father was not brilliant or ambitious and I am certain that were he a PhD job seeker in today's academic "marketplace," our family would have known neither security nor abundance. He would have been among … [Read more...] about What professors and Fast Food Workers Have In Common
If Capitalism Must End, What Should Replace It?
Michael D. Yates Today, the world faces multiple crises. Foremost among them is an impending environmental catastrophe, marked by rapidly rising temperatures and sea levels, widespread extinction and diminution of species, poisoned air, contaminated and polluted water, including our oceans, the loss of soil elasticity, and worsening desertification. We are rapidly reaching a … [Read more...] about If Capitalism Must End, What Should Replace It?
The Importance of Restaurant Sustainability
by Kayla Harper Climate change is a looming reality, and with approximately twelve years to make significant changes in our way of life before permanent damage is caused, it is important for restaurants to become responsible climate activists and change their business practices. My short-term focus is on educating local businesses in the Lehigh Valley about ways to become … [Read more...] about The Importance of Restaurant Sustainability
Acknowledgments (Sustainability Impact Assessment)
First of all, the Alliance thanks the 5 student interns whose hard work made this project possible: Olivia Barz (Lehigh ’19)Ryan Dougherty (Lafayette ’19)Harris Eisenhardt (SUNY–ESF ’19)Ashley Kushner (Lafayette ’19)Brandy Moser (Boston University ‘21) The project team thanks the many community leaders for their assistance—and is especially grateful to Lin Erickson, … [Read more...] about Acknowledgments (Sustainability Impact Assessment)
Local Economic Systems
by Rich Fegley It is estimated that the average American meal travels about 1500 miles to get from farm to plate. If our food is grown that far from where we live, it is safe to assume that a fair percentage of the money that we spend to purchase food will go to the grower who is located 1500 miles away and to the food distributor, possibly located in Texas or Illinois. It … [Read more...] about Local Economic Systems
Economy and Environment—Must We Choose?
by Lindsay Meiman As I was walking to class with a friend the other day, he casually asked me, “why do you care so much about sustainability?” I paused in my tracks, taken aback by the immensity of possible explanations to a seemingly simple question. I took a moment, ensuring that the question was serious. I had never questioned my passion for sustainable development, as it … [Read more...] about Economy and Environment—Must We Choose?