There is a recent report that a Greenpeace worker with a valid visa has been refused entry to India in Delhi to attend a conference (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/greenpeace). Apparently, the government feel that this organisation is slowing down their rate of economic growth by e.g. campaigning against coal mining in areas where the local human and animal life seem vulnerable. Greenpeace is reportedly being investigated by the Indian security services and contributions to their accounts in that country have been frozen. This appears to be yet another example of tensions between environmentalists and politicians. Thinking of an analogy: Biological DNA is programmed to replicate itself whereas Political DNA is programmed to get itself re-elected. Short-term economic considerations often appear to trump long-term sustainability? The 'life' of a government is much the shorter. Having said that, one must be careful about imposing 'foreign' values on other cultures.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Greenpeace Unwelcome in India?
There is a recent report that a Greenpeace worker with a valid visa has been refused entry to India in Delhi to attend a conference (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/greenpeace). Apparently, the government feel that this organisation is slowing down their rate of economic growth by e.g. campaigning against coal mining in areas where the local human and animal life seem vulnerable. Greenpeace is reportedly being investigated by the Indian security services and contributions to their accounts in that country have been frozen. This appears to be yet another example of tensions between environmentalists and politicians. Thinking of an analogy: Biological DNA is programmed to replicate itself whereas Political DNA is programmed to get itself re-elected. Short-term economic considerations often appear to trump long-term sustainability? The 'life' of a government is much the shorter. Having said that, one must be careful about imposing 'foreign' values on other cultures.
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