21 of doing things. Products continue to have value that does not reflect their real worth, with unnecessary impact on the environment and with negative results on regional economies (189). We cannot leave the health of the environment to the whims and greed of market forces; these issues will not be solved simply by an increase in the profits of companies or individuals (190). Natural cycles, biodiversity and complex ecosystems, the meaning and value of things for people, for cultures and for those in need pale into insignificance when profits alone count (190). Far from hindering progress, reflecting critically on our present levels of production and consumption can at times give rise to another form of progress and development (191), with no detrimental effects on the environment and with economic benefits as well. Productive diversification offers the fullest possibilities to human ingenuity to create and innovate, while at the same time protecting the environment and creating more sources of employment (192). Changing the ways we produce and develop must be done before it is too late; we know how unsustainable is the behaviour of those who constantly consume and destroy, while others are not yet able to live in a way worthy of their human dignity (193). Pope Francis joins Benedict XVI in asking that technologically advanced societies must be prepared to encourage more sober lifestyles, while reducing their energy consumption and improving its efficiency (193). Half-hearted and stop-gap measures to do this will not prevent disaster: it is a matter of redefining our notion of progress (194), because any development that leaves the world worse off cannot really be considered progress. If people’s quality of life actually diminishes by the deterioration of the environment, the low quality of food or the depletion of resources (194), we are misunderstanding the whole concept of the economy. What about politics? Sadly, it is the case that some economic sectors exercise more power than states themselves (196). There is no justification for economics without politics because we must not leave behind those who are not powerful and who also deserve life’s opportunities for inclusion and participation. What is needed is a politics which is far-sighted and capable of a new, integral and interdisciplinary approach to handling the different aspects of the crisis (197) we face. Corruption can allow business groups to come forward in the guise of benefactors (197) who believe that they are above the law and this can lead to major problems for communities. Pope Francis calls for real political change, not superficial ecological considerations (197) by which politicians try to avoid taking up this challenge. The desire for financial gain or an increase of power often cause politics and the
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ0MTI=