In defense of planning in the eco-state.

AuthorJablonowski, Mark

As the defects of the neo-liberal hegemony become increasingly obvious, many seek answers in alternative systems. The fact that our natural environment remains under direct assault by these forces has spawned alternatives that focus on ecological preservation. Such radical eco-centrism, however, is still searching for a workable program of transition to a better world (the ecotopia). For the most part, proponents focus on a decentralized vision of community action that attempts to protect against the adverse effects of increased materialism. This localized vision has much in common with early Utopian socialist visions, the basics of which still permeate many modern approaches to an improved human society.

We might argue that they both build from a primitive communism, the birth of which was in the earliest of human civilizations. Both socialist humanists and eco-centric naturalists reasonably argue that society took a "wrong-turn" with the rise of modern capitalism. The result is the subjugation of both human and non-human populations to the whims of an increasingly concentrated power structure.

While the romantic notion of a return to an unspoiled pastoralism is tempting, its practical value in a world (both human and natural) in which change is inexorable is at least doubtful. A more realistic approach that still manages to preserve human and non-human dignity arises from our ability to consciously work towards a harmonious coexistence among all biotic communities of the earth.

We would suggest that such a vision entails at least some degree of coordination of purpose, and direct planning, at the most central levels of society. We would further argue that the prejudice many feel against central planning by a democratically constituted state is not natural, but rather human-induced.

It is a stigma that has been intentionally created by those same humans who seek to exploit human and natural resources while suggesting that it is for the good of all. Having nothing to fear from phantoms, it remains in their best interest to encourage romantic visions of a better world, while denigrating practical ones, as a diversion from progress toward genuine solutions.

Planning for sustainable progress

Unfortunately, many environmentalists believe, or have been led to believe, that planning is unnatural, or exists solely as an attempt to control both humans and nature. In fact, we may view natural evolution as a planning process itself: Organism implies...

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