Biopolicy: A Global Vision and Solution for Building a Society of Hope by Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis President and Founder, Biopolitics International Organisation Saving
the Continuity of Bios – A Long-Term Vision in Sustainable Development: Our
world is experiencing a serious crisis in values. Arrogance and lack of vision
in international policy has led to an unprecedented rate of environmental
degradation and abuse. The very continuation of “bios” – life on our planet –
is threatened by global warming, climate change, a declining resource base, the
loss of species and habitats, inadequate water supplies, desertification. All
are global problems, requiring global solutions and a new level of
international cooperation and action. A society
that values the protection of the environment can find solutions that benefit
and save life. The right mindset, appropriate technology, and, above all, a
bios-enhancing vision in international policy will lead us to new and better
energy resources. Since its inception in 1985, the Biopolitics International
Organisation (B.I.O.) has been working to inspire such a vision, by promoting
“biopolicy” in every human endeavor. We do not lack the technology
or the know-how necessary to integrate sustainable development into our
economies. What we urgently need is a new approach that will help us realize
the urgent need for action. Curbing environmental deterioration and securing
the continuity of life on our planet is a paramount challenge; its ethical,
political and socio-cultural aspects necessitate an urgent paradigm shift in
society as a whole. Because resources are abundant, we think we can
overconsume. A fraction of the quantity of natural resources used today could
power our economies, if utilized more efficiently and less wastefully. Deep in our hearts we are all
aware of what is going on, and in ten-years time we will all agree there is no
other alternative. Our society resembles an inverted pyramid, where nothing is
in balance because we have based the whole structure on the wrong priorities.
In the mid 1980s, who could have predicted that political regimes, which seemed
invincible, were soon to collapse? Time is running out and, unless we espouse
new thinking, the future of humanity and all life on our planet, will be at
stake. The ‘Bio-Assessment’ of Technology – Environmental Responsibility: Technology expands human potential but can also
have disastrous consequences for the state of the environment and life on our
planet. Technological development that proceeds without concern for its impact
on the environment is not viable. Only new technologies that prevent pollution,
rely on clean energy sources and encourage resource conservation should be
further researched and pursued. Moreover, progress in every field of human
endeavor should be evaluated in terms of its contribution to environmental
appreciation and protection. Policy on industry-related risks, scientific
research in and development of clean technologies and nuclear safety and
radiation protection, must be implemented globally. Solutions to environmental
problems and the development and implementation of environmentally sound
technologies require a range of different disciplines and skills, and, in
particular, imagination and innovation. The “bio-assessment of technology,” as
promoted by B.I.O., involves a thorough re-evaluation of priorities in
technology and the development of initiatives that respect and help the
environment. These initiatives include environmentally friendly technology,
which should always be carried out with the aim of protecting every form of
life on our planet. A deeper ethical commitment is needed towards the
environment and all forms of life. Environmental pollution and
degradation do not respect international treaties and state boundaries.
Informing the public and soliciting their active participation in the debate
about ethics concerning the environment is a crucial and urgent task if
destructive trends are to be curbed. Establishing codes of environmental ethics
for all professions and assessing technological developments on the basis of
environmental criteria would contribute to the elevation of our ethical
responsibilities towards the environment into everyday decision-making and lead
to greater respect for the gift of life, the most precious possession on our
planet. The bio-assessment of technology can inspire new
bioethical values in society thus placing respect for the environment at the
core of every academic and professional initiative. We
are interdependent with the whole natural environment, with all forms of bios.
If bios is systematically destroyed in the name of progress, there can be no
gain. It is our unquestionable ethical responsibility to assess human progress
in the context of partnership, equity, and balance among all forms of life on
our planet. The ethical foundation found in medicine, stemming from the oath of
Hippocrates, needs to be expanded into other fields. The anthropocentric view
of the world, in which the environment was seen as existing for the benefit of
humans, needs to be supplanted by a biocentric view, which promotes respect for
all forms of life. Codes of ethics which incorporate these values should be
developed and broadly adopted in the scientific and engineering fields, as well
as in business. A universal understanding of environmental ethics must be
developed for the chain of life to survive. Biopolicy for Alternative
Energy – Meeting the Global Energy Challenge: Every scope of human activity would benefit
from advancements in alternative and renewable
energy, which is cheap, abundant, and sustainable. B.I.O. promotes a
search for new solutions, the implementation of relevant policies, and socially
conscious decision-making by governments, business sectors and individuals.
Through our many educational programs we are also hoping to inform all members
of society on the various possibilities and concerns in this field so that they
may make sound and educated decisions. The environment has always provided a variety
of options for alternative and renewable energy sources. Some alternatives have
been used for years and others are still being developed. For example, biomass
energy that has been used in developing countries is becoming increasingly
common in industrialized countries as well. Biomass can be used to produce
electricity, transportation fuels, or chemicals, which can replace petroleum
and other non-renewable materials in wood adhesives, molded plastic, and foam
insulation. Moreover, the use of biofuels, such as ethanol, which can be mixed
with gasoline, results in less carbon monoxide emissions from vehicles and has
resulted in the design of advanced vehicles. Considerable importance has also been placed on
the research and development of clean energy sources, such as solar power and
photovoltaics, wind, waves, geothermal energy, hydrogen and fuel cells.
Sunlight, or solar energy, can be used directly for heating and lighting homes
and other buildings, heating water, generating electricity, and for a variety
of commercial and industrial uses. Wind, driven by the sun’s heat, produces
energy that can be captured with turbines and converted into electricity. Wind
turbines function alone or can be connected to a utility power grid or combined
with a photovoltaic system. Stand-alone wind turbines are used for pumping
water and for communications. Some estimates have shown that wind can
potentially provide around one tenth of the world’s power. That would cut down
dioxide emissions by a billion tons a year. Geothermal energy taps the Earth’s
internal heat to produce electricity and to heat and cool buildings. The
ocean’s tidal energy and wave energy, as well as the temperature difference
between surface and ocean depths, can be used to produce electricity. In the realm of hydrogen and fuel cell
technology, advancements have opened the door to the development of a quiet,
clean source of energy. Fuel cells utilize the chemical energy of hydrogen to
produce electricity and thermal energy. Water is the only by-product emitted if
fuel cells use hydrogen directly, and they can achieve higher efficiencies than
the internal combustion engine. Current fuel cell efficiencies are in the 40%
to 50% range, with up to 80% efficiency reported when used in combined heat and
power applications. We should celebrate these achievements and find inspiration
in them in order to persevere in our efforts. Many of the obstacles faced in
the implementation of alternative energy policies by the global community are
attributed to the absence of compliance with international agreements, such as
the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol is a step in the right direction by
assigning mandatory targets for combating climate change, but it is not the
answer. Its shortcomings are clear in that greenhouse gas emissions are
translated into a financial market lacking long-term value. The success of the
Kyoto Protocol is not a question of which nations have endorsed it. Emissions
trading and carbon credits just postpone the problem for the future. More
in-depth research and planning is necessary in order to overcome the hurdles
that exist and to accelerate the development and availability of alternative
energy in every corner of the world, through forward-looking initiatives for
the promotion and protection of bios. This is the goal and vision of biopolicy. Inspiration through Progress – Redefining the Concept of Profit: Governments and international
institutions are encouraging sustainable development through both the financing
of projects and the implementation of various policies. As a result, corporate
environments are changing. Businesses are realizing that it is essential to
achieve a developmental framework that places people and the planet before
profits. Managing the environmental program in an industrial or commercial
facility has become an increasingly complex and challenging assignment owing to
the expanding maze of environmental laws and regulations and the growing public
expectations regarding environmental protection. To be effective, program and
policies promoting greener products, the use of fewer natural resources, and
lower impacts and risks to the environment, must be based on an overall
framework of biopolicy, which will help to focus every activity on the
consequential task of saving the environment and life on our planet. Businesses recognize that a
good profile within the community can be strengthened by displaying a strong
environmental ethic. With pro-environmental shareholders entering into dialogue
with decision makers, corporate behavior on the environment can be steered
towards a direction that can meet the needs and demands of the global public
and civil society. To succeed in capturing new markets, the enterprises of the
future will have to align their growth strategies with providing solutions to
the world’s most pressing challenges: clean energy, the protection of natural
resources, safe water and food. Corporate social and environmental
responsibility have entered the mainstream, as companies are facing growing
pressure to be responsible citizens. When companies minimize their environmental
risks and foster ethical policies, they may also gain a competitive advantage
by reducing costs, improving the quality of their products and services, and
gaining access to new markets. As many public and private investors refuse to
endow companies that pollute the planet and place the health of the world’s
population at risk, investments are increasingly directed towards businesses
that meet the basic standards of environmental responsibility. Corporations and
entrepreneurs can work together to tackle the challenge of sustainable
development. A grassroots mobilization and public participation, on both the
local and international levels, can enhance the establishment of
bios-supporting economic strategies worldwide. Preserving the wealth and beauty
of our natural resources, removing sources of pollution, securing the health of
the Earth’s population, providing fair rules of trade, and guaranteeing equal
educational opportunities for every citizen in the world is of genuine value to
society. The concept of “profit” has to be redefined and encompass elements
which constitute a true gain for humanity: health, quality of life, culture,
biodiversity, clean energy, secure and safe resources. A three-dimensional approach
to economics, with the environment at the core of all structural and
fundamental policies, would help to replace current fragmented approaches and
focus every activity on a developmental framework with long-term value. Green Salary – biopolicy in
business
The urgency of addressing the global problems
of unemployment and environmental degradation suggest that a mutual solution
may be available. Many young people are entering the labor market with few
skills and even fewer opportunities for productive work. At the same time, the
global environment continues to be degraded. Sustainable employment in the
environmental field opens the possibilities for disadvantaged groups and youth
to develop their employment potential and also creates new work opportunities.
Rather than providing conventional benefit payments to the unemployed, they
could be offered the opportunity to work in some area related to the protection
or restoration of the environment and earn a “green salary” for their
contribution. The opportunities abound, as many environmental problems exist
today that can be ameliorated by human intervention. Reforestation and efforts
to contain desertification and soil erosion are examples. Moreover, the growing
embrace of alternative energy is rapidly creating new jobs in the design,
manufacturing, installation, servicing, and marketing of new technologies and
products. Jobs also arise indirectly from the supply of raw materials,
transportation, equipment, and professional services. In the transportation
sector, the use of hydrogen and fuel cells are creating a new concept of car
technology and resulting new areas of research and development. Advancements in
solar energy and the use of environmentally friendly construction materials
have led to the creation of green buildings. Some green buildings are now
completely and solely powered by solar thermal and electric energy that
operates all systems, including heating, cooling, lighting, computers, water
pumps, and office equipment. If we are to succeed in reversing global
environmental degradation and limiting poverty, young people everywhere must be
imbued with a love and respect for the environment. What can be better than a
“hands-on” approach to protecting the environment? World Referendum and a Bank of Ideas:
Access to
knowledge with modern communication technology enables global participation in
the race to save the environment, empowers sustainable development, and
increases awareness of our bioethical responsibilities. As first proposed by
B.I.O. in 1992, communication technology can help humanity to dynamically voice
its concern over environmental deterioration and all its bioethical
considerations. A “World Referendum” for every citizen to simultaneously cast a
vote for the environment, would result in a global mobilization for the
reversal of destructive trends and would guarantee a brighter future.
A world vote on the environment cannot be successful
without the contribution of the media. The media coordinate and correlate
information, thus shaping and inspiring social and cultural attitudes. The
power of the media in influencing public opinion as well as the infrastructure
available can make the implementation of a simultaneous vote on bios a reality
in every corner of the world. To be effective in
responding to environmental and bioethical challenges, it is essential to stop
reinventing the wheel. Owing to poorly coordinated efforts, valuable time and
resources are wasted while damage to bios persists. The knowledge and
technology to prevent further destruction are available, but they have to be
disseminated more efficiently. An electronic “Bank of Ideas,” where any
interested party may contribute information or thoughts concerning the
protection of the environment and bios, can promote an expedient transfer of
know-how that will help to harness pollution and environmental deterioration
and put an end to wasteful and unethical practices. Bio-Diplomacy – An International
Effort in Defense of the Environment: Bio-diplomacy –
international co-operation in environmental protection – is a concept pioneered
by B.I.O. at a time when civic leaders, international organizations, and the
world community as whole had not fully realized the urgency of adopting common
environmental policy as a priority. It focuses on the interdependence of all
forms of life and calls upon diplomats and people of influence to engage in a
collective endeavor in defense of the environment. Joint efforts to protect the
environment can boost international relations and act as a bridge between
global impetus and decision-making at the national and local levels. Bio-diplomacy is an
opportunity for the aspirations of sovereign states and civil society to
converge in pursuit of long-term international environmental policy and action.
At the same time, bio-diplomacy actively supports efforts to maintain
biological and cultural diversity and seeks to improve human relations and to
attain the goal of world peace by replacing current diplomatic attitudes with a
complete international and intercultural perspective. Within this framework,
respect for human rights and the existence of multi-ethnic and multi-cultural
societies is an undeniable principle. Peace cannot be
achieved in a world ravaged by pollution, hunger and disease. We need to build
a sound society, which can lead humanity to a brighter future. A bios-promoting
vision, one that places the ethics of bios at the heart of societal structure,
can provide the necessary framework to end wars and civil strife and to achieve
a world in which the gift of bios is truly appreciated. Environmental
pollution and degradation do not respect international treaties and state
boundaries. Unless a universal understanding of bioethics evolves, the very
continuation of the chain of life on our planet will be at stake. Informing the
public and soliciting their active participation in the debate about ethics
concerning the environment is a crucial and urgent task if destructive trends
are to be curbed. Assessing technological developments on the basis of
environmental criteria would contribute greatly towards elevating bioethical
considerations into a priority in decision-making at every level. Bio-Education – The Role of
the To succeed in expanding the vision of
sustainable development, education must be directed at creative and thoughtful
action for the development of the highest potential of each individual for the
benefit of the world and future generations. The purpose and responsibility of
bio-education is to uplift the spirit of humanity and to reverse the crisis in
values that has resulted in serious environmental deterioration. By providing
interdisciplinary models with environmental considerations in every specialty,
bio-education seeks to apply environmental protection to every human endeavor. To implement the ideals of bio-education,
B.I.O. launched the A
View to the Future: Can we hear the ticking clock of destruction? If life
is annihilated in the name of progress there can be no gain. It is our unquestionable
ethical responsibility to assess progress in the context of partnership,
equity, and balance among all forms of life on our planet. We urgently need an
environmental vision to help us make the survival of bios our collective
priority. This vision can bring environmental concerns to the core of society,
by setting out the challenges we face on the reduction of biodiversity, the
deterioration of environmental quality, the decline of natural resources and
conventional energy supplies, and the need to reinforce sustainable development
policy with a view to the future. Our common enemy is the destruction of bios,
and we need to join forces to mount an adequate response to the environmental
crisis. International collaboration is key in securing the well-being and
survival of future generations. Education through the International University
for the Bio-Environment, public participation in the form of a World Referendum
to save bios, awareness-raising and the involvement and mobilization of
individuals from all walks of life, are some of the initiatives launched over
the past twenty years by B.I.O. in the struggle to protect bios and guarantee a
better future for all. Humanity has been given a
final opportunity to respect the close relationship that exists between its
actions and the environment. In order to promote equity and improve quality of
life, we need a vision that can help us to set an international agenda for
correcting the inequities of the past. Protecting and managing the global
environment rationally will be the most challenging task for the new
millennium. Technology has become infused in every field of human endeavor.
Like a new Prometheus with sensitivity and prophecy, it has provided light and
fire and has made possible the advent of a new era. This ability must be
tempered with a solid base of fundamental values in order to lead to a better
future. The current crisis in values is a great threat, not only to the
environment but also to peace. This is why there is a pressing need for biopolicy
as a global solution to help motivate every citizen to protect the environment
and contribute to the building of a society of hope. Harmony With wings of the soul I touch the golden waves of
infinity around, heavenly beauty like
light sparkles rays with colors of
flowers whispers the soil, awakens
the earth not like a mother, just like
a daughter of the cycle of wear and the infinite of the
eternal the melody of the universe is surrounded by the rhythm
of harmony A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis Oscillations,
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Biopolitics International Organisation, Author’s Note: All of the above references are
available electronically at www.biopolitics.gr [ BWW Society Home Page ] © 2007 The BWW Society/The Institute for the Advancement of Positive Global Solutions |