Post earth-hour

Now that Earth Hour has ticked by, it's time for some introspection. What does it mean for us? A time to bring out the candles? A time to join some million others in a campaign? Or, a time to sit quietly and think on the path we want to take? A time to think of how fortunate we are to have a planet of plenty for the teeming billions? Today our growing consumerism is depleting the earth's resources at a rate 35 percent faster than it can regenerate. Whether it is minerals or even more precious resource like water, we are rapaciously using it. If somewhere Saudi Arabia is greening its deserts using centuries old aquifer water which will run out in 50 years, elsewhere developed nations are vying for drilling rights in the Arctic! Can we define a new economic paradigm with well-being indicators that count natural and social capital, and give incentives for sustainable production? And do it soon? Are we content to live in a climate of ever-widening inequalities with 20% of the world now consuming 86% of its goods, while the poorest 20% consume 1% or less and emit 2% of the worlds greenhouse gases? Or do we believe in true empowerment that comes with equity and sustainability? Are we keeping our planet as healthy and clean as we keep our homes??