by Barbara Stanley

Created on: March 08, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

We do not live in a world that operates on the principles of fairness. The simple answer is no; it is not fair. There are times when all nations must set aside the question of fairness in dealing with global issues. How often has the citizens of the United States of America supported underdeveloped countries with their tax dollars? While we still have millions in our country living at or below poverty and without insurance, it will be unfair for us to send billions of dollars in aid to needy countries. America does not withdraw aid simply because it is unfair to those in need here. We have identified a problem that is currently affecting all people on the planet. As we are asking others to "go green", it is imperative that our nation does everything possible to minimize our negative effect on the environment.

While long developed nations have enjoyed years of progress and economic gain from industrialization, we have also employed the brightest minds in science, agriculture, and environmental issues to find feasible solutions to the problems. Underdeveloped countries can now benefit from years of study and collected data that will be of importance to all countries. If we ask others to find a cleaner way to do business, we must be willing to share ideas and hands-on direction. In the end, everyone will benefit from practicing environmentally friendly business. In so doing, we are asking no one to impede progress. All nations should be afforded the opportunity for economic growth. To do less would be the ultimate in unfairness for the sake of being unfair.

To harness the basic elements of earth-sun, wind, and water-for production and manufacturing would be less expensive to adopt in the beginning than it would be to replace existing methods now being used in industrial nations. I see this as an opportunity for developing countries to get started on their progressive journeys headed in the better direction for themselves and all mankind. We would not be asking others to make sacrifices for the sake of sacrificing. Because of information we now have as to our impact on the planet through bad planning, greed, and ignorance, we can all make better informed choices that, at a minimum, will reduce the negative impact on the earth's environment. Today is the day that each of us must strive for a better tomorrow and stop acting as though today is the only day that should be accounted for.
Whether or not it is fair to ask underdeveloped nations to go green while other nations built their economies using extreme methods that have harmed the planet, we must ask them to proceed with a plan to develop their nations in a green fashion. America has always supported underdeveloped nations financially, thus they have benefited from the wealth we have generated. Even now, America is investing in underdeveloped nations as they strive for better economic status. We are only asking for that which is best for all mankind, including the citizens of underdeveloped nations.

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