January 2009 issue
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EWB SERIES
The Bigger Picture
Times are tough in our privileged place on the globe. But are we so busy with our own situation that Developing World problems are being overshadowed?
Editor’s Note: The following article is another instalment in our series from Engineers Without Borders.
BY BETH DANIEL, E.I.T., & REENA HUSSEIN
EWB Calgary
Professional Chapter
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With the current media focus on global recession, people everywhere are feeling vulnerable in the face of a future that seems more uncertain by the minute. This vulnerability accents many existing issues for humanity, and it’s up to all of us to keep that fact in mind.
One of those issues — and it’s of great importance — is poverty.
Developed countries are struggling financially with stock market variability and rising unemployment. However, we have to wonder how people are doing in less fortunate countries where they lack even the basic necessities of life.
Two major federal elections for our area of the world took place last fall. Citizens in Canada and the United States were faced with electing leaders who would commit to a firm vision for their countries. But these elections did not focus much attention at all on bigger picture issues like poverty. Rather, there was a direct light shone on the current economic crisis facing the world.
During the campaigns, party leaders debated and presented their stands on numerous hot-topic issues, including economic well-being, climate change, the environment, health care, energy needs and foreign policy. The debates, stories and commentary challenged the knowledge of most citizens on their countries’ current policies and practices.
What would move these two North American neighbours forward politically, economically, socially and environmentally? Our leaders made their promises, laying out what they would do for the future of their countries and what parts they would play globally.
One of the setbacks of this approach is the lack of focus on the issues that are not hot topics. But hot or not, poverty remains important. We may not always pay as much attention as we should, but we continue to play a role in world poverty — good times and bad, consciously and unconsciously.
The Other Half
While we scramble to solve the problems of today, the problems of yesterday keep piling up. A good example is extreme poverty. This is the most severe form of poverty. It strikes those who make less than $1.25 a day and lack the very basic necessities of life — food, shelter, clean water, sanitation, education and health care.
More than 1.4 billion people live in extreme poverty. That’s about one of every six people in the world. More than 850 million people globally are malnourished, which is about 14 per cent of the global population.
Ironically, we live in a world of plenty. There is enough food to feed everyone. The problem is it isn’t distributed proportionately.
Three billion people, close to half of the world’s population, live on less than $2 US a day. Every three seconds a child dies from extreme poverty. Despite these uncomfortable figures, our society continues to live in the moment.
So the question becomes: how can our collective talent and enthusiasm contribute to solutions rather than neglect them?
The author Anatole France said: “In order to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but dream; not only plan, but believe.” If we dream of an end to extreme poverty and believe that it is possible, then we can achieve real change. It is through our choices and accountability that solutions can be found. Each of us can choose to make valuable contributions, and when every individual does so, we can create profound results.
Many Little Steps
There are many ways to take small, measurable steps to make a positive impact on the problems of yesterday. Why not support organizations that share common goals? Build stronger communities through volunteering. Empower others with support and mentorship.
You can make informed consumer decisions to purchase local, sustainable products. Or you can seek out products that are produced and sold fairly. Fair Trade products, for example, ensure that workers and producers in developing countries operate according to fair trading conditions, and certify that producers receive full value for their labour. Thus, choosing shops and items that participate in Fair Trade is a simple and practical way to inspire positive change.
Of course, engaging in the political process is one of the most important steps. When we take initiatives to engage in our democratic right, we have the ability to express our beliefs and ideals about extreme poverty. We send a message to society and our political leaders to continue upholding these standards, and reaching out to those in need.
Above all, in order to really create positive change, we must understand past and present challenges that stand in the way of progress. To quote Confucius: “The expectations of life depend up on diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.”
We must understand barriers that stand in the way of progress in developing countries, and also within our own country.
The EWB Connection
Engineers Without Borders promotes human development and strives to drive change in Canada as well as developing countries. EWB raises awareness among Canadians about the impact of their daily actions on developing communities.
Moreover, EWB helps people in developing countries gain access to technologies that improve people’s lives. It recognizes that when technology is properly implemented within a cultural, economic and political context, it can bring real solutions.
EWB members believe that human development is not about the rise and fall of national incomes. Rather, it is about people. It is about their desire and struggle to expand their freedoms and lead lives that they value.
The possibility of change is inevitable when the actions of individuals align with organizations like EWB. Now is the time to leap outside of our comfort zones and look at the bigger picture, so we can take steps to embrace change.
Engineers Without Borders believes poverty is an absence of opportunity and promotes human development through access to technology.
More Info
Visit www.ewb.ca.
COMING EVENTS
Advanced Discussion Topic
Ceili’s Pub
6 p.m., Feb. 3
Local Annual Conference
May 1 & 2
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