Unsustainably Woolly

The Premier announces the start of a 'national debate'. The issues will be investigated by an independent group formed from a cross-section of the community. The public can expect to be educated and asked for their views.

The independence debate? No, this time the subject is sustainable development.

Sustainable development is something it's impossible to be against. Who would argue that Bermuda's development should be unsustainable? But it's such a vague, all-encompassing term that I can't help but feel gloomy about the chances of the Government's sustainable development team ever achieving anything. The closest thing to a useful definition that I've heard is that it's about what we are willing to give up, or keep in check, to ensure quality of life for our children and grandchildren. But that includes everything from housing to transport, education, crime and healthcare issues. There's no focus.

A chat with a member of the sustainable development team at the Ag Show on Saturday did nothing to allay my fears. Although clearly well-intentioned and qualified to talk about the subject, junior policy analyst Leila Wadson seemed unable to articulate how the team was going to be able to influence government policy. The first step, she said, was to gather the thoughts of Bermudians about what was important, which would be presented in a report to the Government in a couple of months. But then what?

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown has already made some suggestions about the steps that might be necessary to permit a sustainable level of car ownership in Bermuda. Why can't the other ministries think about their problems in the same way? Why is a sustainable development team even necessary? Is it a think tank, a research body, or what?

Once the consultation period is over, the project team will need to articulate some clear, measurable objectives if it hopes to have any meaningful influence on Government policy.

Anyone with thoughts about what Bermuda's sustainable development priorities should be can contact Leila Wadson on 298 7169 or by email at lbwadson (at) gov.bm. Alternatively, project co-ordinator Ross Andrews can be reached at 298 7161 or by email at randrews (at) gov.bm.

Comments

[James on 25.04.05 at 19:55]

Here is something for sustainable development.
Well it is actually more to do with low cost housing. In the current Popular Science magazine, it has a product called "Grancrete", it is a spray on ceramic that can coat blocks of styrofoam and make it stronger than concrete, it won't leak or crack and can dry in one day. Basically it says you can build a house for $10/square foot. (well in the US, where average cost is $150/ sq. ft) The product will be available next month. Combine that with an SKB roof (also styrofoam) and you for a cheap solid house. Ashfield should be checking that out and not trailer housing.

"But that includes everything from housing to transport, education, crime and healthcare issues. There's no focus."

For sustainable development, everything has to be taken into account for it to work at all, you can't focus on one thing, it all interacts. But once they have finished their findings, it will be up to government to actually implement the findings. I have a feeling some things we need to do to achieve sustainable development will leave a bad taste in some peoples mouths.

[shipstones on 25.04.05 at 22:57]

This requires a model of the island's economy, infrastructure, environment etc. etc. A major task. Each aspect can be broken down into simple elements and solutions worked out, but they must be fed into a model that shows effect on other parts of the equation.
This will end up being a series of individual proposals with no overall plan I am sure.

[Edwardo on 26.04.05 at 10:50]

James.
Sorry to dash your hopes but spray on
coatings were tried on concrete block by
both SAL and SKB over 20 yrs ago.
Some styrofoam houses were built on Pokiok Farm estate some years ago and I believe Architect Sjur Lindberg was involved in a Styrofoam model trial house near Burnt House hill.
SKB roofing makes a good substitute for Bemuda slate(in short supply) but I think the costs are similar.
With a small addition being contemplated I would like to think that a reduction in costs could be achieved like the US figures you quoted.
Edwardo