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Kicking the Proverbial Can Down the Road, Across the Border: Sustainability at Others’ Expense

In: Innovation-Driven Business and Sustainability in the Tropics

Author

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  • Thomas Chong

    (Director Engagement, Newcastle Australia Institute of Higher Education)

Abstract

We need to be sustainable – but at whose expense? Think about Bhopal, India where a 1984 industrial chemical accident exposed millions to toxic substances and affected Bhopal and its hinterland. Using case studies, we learned more about sustainability, economics, innovation, globalisation and psychology. Indeed, the world needs factories but no, it’s “not-in-my-backyard” (NIMBY) but in the backyards of those hungry for investments. This NIMBY approach has resulted in nuclear plants, hydro-electric dams, lumber mills and other factories being located elsewhere. In 2022, activists around the Leech Lake reservation in Minnesota protested the environmental harm a lumber mill could cause, if approved. Nevertheless, there are a few success stories characterised by successful negotiation and application of sound psychological principles so NIMBY became “Yes, in my backyard”. Thanks to economics (think: comparative advantage) and globalisation, customers world-wide could procure affordable timber products from outside their backyard. So how sustainable are we, really?

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Chong, 2023. "Kicking the Proverbial Can Down the Road, Across the Border: Sustainability at Others’ Expense," Springer Books, in: Emiel L. Eijdenberg & Malobi Mukherjee & Jacob Wood (ed.), Innovation-Driven Business and Sustainability in the Tropics, chapter 0, pages 431-445, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-981-99-2909-2_25
    DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-2909-2_25
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