Hypocrisy At The Lectern Do Our Personal Lifestyle Choices Reflect Our Spoken Commitment To Global Sustainabilty?

Abstract

Do our actions model a genuine commitment to global sustainability? Or do they belie that spoken commitment? These questions are addressed in this article, drawing on bodies of substantive research tying personal behavioral choices to global warming, fresh water scarcity, energy resource management, the absorptive capacity of the earth to sustain life, and a viable sharing of the earth’s resources to assure a basic level of social justice. A compelling case is made that our personal lifestyles are not incongruence with our avowed concerns for an environmentally sustainable earth and a just sharing of its bounties. The article treats environmental sustainability and social justice as co-imperatives, thereby offering a future scenario that demands lifestyle adjustments and shared sacrifices.

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