Sustainable Prosperity

“...the core values that underpin sustainable development - interdependence, empathy, equity, personal responsibility and intergenerational justice - are the only foundation upon which any viable vision of a better world can possibly be constructed.” Jonathon Porritt

Globalization and sustainability are forces that are in constant competition. In this global game there emerges a clear victor and an inevitable loss. As a political, social, and economic force, globalization has expanded to encompass our global society; it creates change. As the light falls on those affected by globalization, the practitioner and the subject are brought forth and examined. Where there is progress and prosperity for all, we bring to question the extent to which globalization has shaped them and their sustainable prosperity. Sustainable prosperity is the balance of social, economic, and environmental factors for the future generations. Globalization has wholly affected the sustainable prosperity for all people because of the increase in communication. Increased communication has led to the exchange of information, goods, and services. These factors have affected economic and social development, and the environment and its resources for all people, thus contributing to sustainable prosperity.

Sustainable prosperity requires an economic and social balance to be considered as legitimate. Globalization, as an economic force, has affected economic and social development through international trade, communication, and the exchange of ideas. As a result of globalization, goods and services are exposed to larger markets, creating a profit motive and competition within economies. Competition for goods and services spurs the best quality at the lowest price. For the consumers and producers, the flow of money raises the standard of living, which is measured by Gross Domestic Product. As the demand for specific products is created the global market is able to meet the needs of the consumer where a free-standing economy could not; thus, through economic globalization, sustainable prosperity is met through the sharing of resources. As a country progresses, its demand for natural resourcesвЂ"such as oil and lumberвЂ"grows; it is forced to look for internal sources and, failing that, can face a shortfall of progress. To prosper, the economy must turn to the global economy. It is then the role of global economies to provide the resources necessary for sustaining the country and, by doing so, sustaining its prosperity. As a nation’s economy is strengthened, the consumer develops a higher purchasing power and potential; education is instituted and social services are carried out. Communication between nation increases in the interest of trade and the exchange of information because of strengthening economic ties. Lacking globalization, an economy would be forced to limits its use of resources, restricting progress. As did the natives of Brazil live off of a burn cycle, so an isolated economy would have to relocate in order to replenish or face collapse. In an interconnected world today economies cannot relocate and prosperвЂ"that period of isolation has long since ended. The global economy now seeks to encompass all people in prosperity.

Socially, the people of global economies are benefiting from the rapid spread of technology and information. As researchers search for the cures to various diseases, the most competent individuals are able to draw information from the entire world in order to stimulate their thought. This exchange of information is a definite benefit; where one would be doing the work there are now several that are just as able as the one. As a result of progress, productivity has become faster and more efficient. Due to globalization, a country can easily industrialize and grow into world economies. With much owed to globalization, new world economies are less likely to cause dispute amongst each other; socially, this benefits both countries. A nation’s culture and way of life are also affected by globalization through the exchange of ideas. Language, literature, religionвЂ"all aspects of cultures are shared. The world has begun to tolerate other culture while promoting their