Prof James Blignaut, University of Pretoria:
Source: eCirc4
It is generally agreed upon that we live in a post-modern world today. One of the main characteristics of post-modernism is that everything is relative and fluid, nothing is exact. It is therefore not surprising that pragmatism is favoured. Another main characteristic is the emphasis placed on relationships among people and between people and organisations, nature, etc. These relationships can be strengthened, for example, through whatever form of media, the collaboration of people of diverse backgrounds through networks and teams, aided, of course, by technology. This is something that we in the field of economics and the environment are very well acquainted with. Post-modernism asks critical questions, for example, with reference to the economy with reference to politics, environment and society at large that necessitates well-defined balanced relationships.

How does economics handle such complex questions? I think we are facing a problem. By far the majority of the tools at our disposal today have been developed before and during the modernist period - a period dominated by individual and autonomous rational behaviour, logic, formal and rigid identities and absolute facts.

Does this perhaps explain our difficulty in asking the right questions and answering them in a satisfactory manner that will lead to lasting solutions? This is a theoretical question, which the discipline of economics needs to reflect on seriously; at the end it is a question of paradigm and willingness to change and adopt new strategies and theories.

Prof James Blignaut, University of Pretoria:
Source: eCirc2
That there exist strong links between economics and the environment cannot be debated. The next contribution by Alex Weaver and the issues raised in the two publications listed in this newsletter concerning fiscal and monetary policy and the environment, is but two of many testimonies to this link. Government has taken up the issue of a better environment for all through the acceptance of Agenda 21 and clause 24 of the Bill of Rights - both documents have direct economic implications. BUT: What happens to economics and the environment in government? It would seem as if, with the exception of Tourism and Fisheries, the Department of Environment Affairs and Tourism is not particularly concerned about the link. Furthermore: The Departments of Finance and of Trade and Industry are not represented on the Committee for Environmental Co-ordination. This does raise the question: How important is the issue of economics and the environment to Government?