Page 15 - Retreading Business N104 2023-1

vastly increase their profit margins, whilst hitting the poorest people in the pocket. They allow big corporations to appear morally and socially conscious, when the reality is anything but. Be- cause whilst the West preaches about climate change and positions itself as a virtuous defender of the environment, it continues to pollute the planet with impunity. Therefore, is it really any surprise that Western governments are so quick to champion green policies that make them look good, don’t affect their bottom line, and sees the poorest countries paying for the consequences of their actions? The fact is that the transition to gree- ner energy and more environmentally sustainable business practices is a no- ble and worthy goal. But purposefully driving up the cost of energy and other basic necessities, when millions of people all across the globe are already struggling to make ends meet, is a mer- cenary approach to a serious issue. Addressing the issue of climate chan- ge requires research, adaptability and long-term innovation that makes green energy accessible and, just as impor- But real green initiatives should tar- get those who can instigate the grea- test change, and that’s not the average working person. Of course, we can all individually ‘do our bit’, but those with the biggest responsibility are those who consume the most, namely the question is, how and when do we start holding them to account? The Golden Rule is – He who has the Gold makes the Rules! CIRCULAR ECONOMY Haarjeev Kandhari P.15