The London Olympics Games - Essay Example

London Olympics 2006 Sustainable development has developed into a powerful and controversial theme in London Olympics Games, making apparently impossible goals for policy makers and development practitioners. Established trickle-down approaches to economic development enrich a few and stimulate growth in modern economies and sectors within traditional societies, most people's needs are not tackled; moreover, they contribute to depleting the world's store of natural wealth and to a deterioration in the quality of the natural environment (Loomis. 2000). A new discourse of sustainability is emerging, one that troubles thoughtful people, who are realizing the complexity of implementing such an approach (Friedmann. 1992). When completely understood, people understand that present levels of per capita resource consumption in the richer countries cannot probably be maintained much less generalized to people living in the rest of the world. Sustainability is not probable as long as the expansion of capital enlarges the ranks of the poor and impedes the access to the resources needed for mere survival (Adams. 1992). Capitalism no longer needs growing armies of unemployed to ensure low wages, nor need it control vast areas to secure regular access to the raw materials and primary products for its productive machine; these inputs are now assured by new institutional arrangements that modified social and productive structures to fit the needs of capital (Lewis. 1954). At present, however, great excesses are generated, excesses that impoverish people and ravage the regions. Profound changes are required to facilitate a strategy of sustainable development. Ecotourism development strategies may contribute to promoting a new form of dualism: a dual structure that permits people to rebuild the rural societies, produce goods and services in a sustainable fashion while expanding the environmental stewardship services they have always provided (Sen. 1981). In the absolute analysis, it is rediscovered that in current condition of London, the very accumulation of wealth produced poverty. While the poor frequently survive in scandalous conditions and are forced to contribute to further degradation, poor do so because they know no alternatives (Degraaf, H. J., C. J. M. Musters, et al. 1996). Even in the poorest of countries, social chasms not only prevent resources from being used to ameliorate the situation, but in fact compound the damage by forcing people from the communities and denying them the opportunities to develop their own solutions (Baker, S., M. Kousis, et al. 1997). For this reason, the search for sustainability involves a dual strategy: on the one hand, it must involve an unleashing of the bonds that restrain people from strengthening the organizations, or making new ones, to use the relatively meagre resources to search for an alternative and autonomous resolution to the problems. On the other hand, a sustainable development strategy must contribute to the forging of a new social pact, cemented in the recognition that the eradication of poverty and the democratic incorporation of the disenfranchised into a more diverse productive structure are essential. In an Olympic first, the new policy confirms London 2012's commitment to the innovative 'One Planet Olympics' theme, which links enhancement of the local environment and sustainable development initiatives to tackling global issues such as climate change. Sustainability, then, is about the struggle for diversity in all its dimensions (Barraclough. 1991). International campaigns to conserve germplasm, to protect endangered species, and to create reserves of the biosphere are multiplying in reaction to the mounting offensive, while communities and their hard pressed members struggle against powerful external forces to defend their individuality, their rights and ability to survive while trying to provide for their brethren. The concern for biodiversity, in its broadest sense, encompasses not only threatened flora and fauna, but also the survivability of these human communities, as stewards of the natural environment and as producers. Internationalization has stymied this movement towards diversity (IyerRaniga, U. and G. Treloar. 2000). The powerful economic groups that shape the world economy are striving to break down these individual or regional traits, moulding people into more homogenous and tractable social groups (Barbier. 1989). This would position people to support the existing structure of inequality and to engage in productive employment; and, for those lucky enough to enjoy high enough incomes, to become customers. In awarding the 2012 Olympic Games to London the International Olympic Committee (IOC) drew attention to the London bid's environmental centrepiece which would create large new urban parkland, featuring wetland and waterways restoration, natural corridors, environmental solutions to resources, water, waste and energy management, and sustainable building development. World experts have praised an overarching sustainability policy by London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics Games organisers which includes tackling global environment issues such as climate change. The London Games sustainability policy, approved by the Olympic Board, places a major emphasis reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through energy efficient design, use of renewable energy, environmentally friendly transport and management of green spaces as a strategy designed to assist the planet's climate. The policy also demonstrates how the Games can provide a platform for helping to address long-term solutions for this global challenge in terms of energy and water resource management, infrastructure development, transport, local food production and carbon offsetting. Particular efforts will be made to minimise the environmental footprint and carbon emissions of the Games and legacy development, notably by optimising energy efficiency, energy demand and use of low carbon and renewable energy sources. The new sustainability policy, which builds on the IOC's commitment to environmental excellence and sustainable development, has been backed by leading athletes and international environmental experts and organisations. London can take this green torch forward by setting demanding and verifiable targets in areas from waste minimization to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In doing so, London 2012 can play its part in demonstrating that mass spectator events can be entertaining, enthralling and environmentally-friendly. I wish the London organizing committee every success. London Games will not only be providing great new venues for the athletes but will also be aiming to provide environmental benefits to the communities of London as well as the planet's climate... to show how the Olympics can bring the world together through sport to tackle important issues like climate change. The new London 2012 Games Environment and Sustainable Development Policy is based around the following 5 key areas: Climate Change, to emphasise how the Games provide a platform for demonstrating long-term solutions for this global challenge in terms of energy and water resource management, infrastructure development, transport, local food production and carbon offsetting. Particular efforts will be made to minimise the environmental footprint and carbon emissions of the Games and legacy development, notably by optimising energy efficiency, energy demand and use of low carbon and renewable energy sources; Waste, the 2012 programme is expected to be a catalyst for new waste management infrastructure in East London and other regional venues and to demonstrate exemplary resource management practices; Biodiversity, the ecological enhancement of the Lower Lea Valley and other London and regional 2012 venues will have a major benefit for wildlife and their habitats, while an Olympic Biodiversity Plan will encourage the sport sector generally to contribute to nature conservation and enhancing the natural environment; Inclusion, the Games will promote access, celebrate diversity, and facilitate the physical, economic and social regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley and surrounding communities. This will be supported by the provision of new infrastructure and facilities, employment, training and education opportunities. Communities across the rest of London and the UK will be encouraged to identify and take full advantage of direct and indirect opportunities arising from the Games; and Healthy Living, the Games will be used as a springboard for inspiring people across the country to take up sport and develop active, healthy and sustainable lifestyles. London Sustainable Development Framework was developed by theLondon Sustainable Development Commission,and sets out a sustainable vision for the capitalincluding a set of objectives to guide decision making. The framework is based around the 4Rs: Taking Responsibility. As citizens of a world city, people will be aware of the impact of the actions on the rest of the UK and beyond, and will take a responsible world leadership role which contributes to the planet's sustainability. Individuals, households, businesses, local and regional government, voluntary groups will have the information, knowledge, motivation and support to help people to take both short and longer-term decisions that will make people and the city more sustainable. People will seek new and creative ways to overcome the constraints of time and money that prevent the people from taking effective decisions. People will ensure that these decisions are informed by a long-term perspective.The people will build and sustain a powerful sense of ownership and responsibility for the city, with civic participation as the norm. Developing Respect. The city will have a culture of tolerance, fairness and respect, for people and the environment, recognising London's diversity as its key strength. The right of all London's citizens and communities to pursue fulfilment will be assured, so long as this does not infringe the rights of others. The city will be a place where everyone feels at ease and is able to enjoy life. All who work, live and play in the city will be able to pursue their objectives in peace, free from the threat of crime, violence or intrusion. The communities will be dynamic, stable, adaptable, innovative, progressive creating a city in which conflicts will be resolved as part of a transparent and participatory process. Managing Resources. The people will protect and improve the city's natural ecosystems, its biodiversity, its open spaces and its built environment. We will help to protect the wider regional, national and international environments with which London has links. People will limit and deal with the pollution, and use energy and material resources prudently, efficiently and effectively, including re-using and recycling our residual waste. Getting Results. People will make consistent economic progress not necessarily always growth to enable wider economic, social and environmental objectives to be pursued both in London and beyond. Business transactions in London will be conducted to high ethical standards. All the different parts of the economy will consistently invest in new technologies, new solutions, new plans and new ideas that contribute to achieving social, economic and environmental objectives simultaneously. All forms of work will be recognised and valued. Paid employment will be plentiful. People will be healthy and fulfilled through living in good housing, with wide opportunities to develop as individuals and communities, through access to services, good quality food, green space and cultural, sporting and leisure activities. A sustainable London is one that has a culture of respect, takes responsibility for its impact on the wider world, manages resources effectively and delivers clear achievements in economic progress and personal well-being. The London Sustainable Development Commission has captured these objectivesin a framework for London. A sustainable London is one where local communities have greater responsibility for decisions that affect them resulting in better health, improved social networks, meaningful work choices and a more uplifting physical environment. Energy efficient and non polluting technologies are used throughout the capital's buildings and industry, improving London's environment and creating new job opportunities. Doorstep recycling is available in every London borough, combined with dramatic reduction in the city's waste, reducing thecity's ecological footprinton the rest of the planet. Wildlife and green spaces are protected and enhanced for the enjoyment and education of all Londoners. Cultural diversity is celebrated and harnessed to contribute to the emerging, high knowledge, resource efficient economy. A high quality transport system, efficient, safe and accessible for all, offers people the choice and freedom to travel how they want to, whilst reducing the impact of transport on Londoners. Key industries in the capital, such as tourism, construction and the finance sector, take on board the need for social and environment concerns to be addressed along with economic progress, leading to a more coordinated approach to improving and sustaining London's development. Strong leadership by regional and local authorities, non-governmental organisations and the voluntary sector is essential to the success of the strategy planned by London and it is fundamental that everyone works together towards the common goal of sustainable development. It is not just the big organisations and events which have an essential role to play in securing a more sustainable future for all. Thousands of community groups are already making a massive contribution to improving the current and future quality of life in the area. Government is dedicated to enabling wider communities to help deliver sustainable development. There are many various ways in which any type of community group can join in the effort and make a big difference throughout small, practical actions. Hundreds of community groups in London and across the country are already showing the means by saving energy, promoting local food, supporting fair-trade products, recycling or getting involved in local plans which shape the future of their areas. Issues of sustainable development should be made a top priority not only in terms of the government policies but also in terms of how people think and how people can align their own lifestyles what they do and their own choices in terms of delivering these objectives. REFERENCE Adams, William M. (1992). Green Development: Environment and Sustainability in the Third World. New York: Routledge. Baker, S., M. Kousis, et al. (1997). The theory and practice of sustainable development in EU perspective - Introduction. Politics of Sustainable Devel: 1-40. Barbier, Edward B. (1989). Economics, Natural-Resource Scarcity and Development: Conventional and Alternative Views. London, UK: Earthscan. Barraclough, Solon. (1991). An End to Hunger The social origins of food strategies. Zed Press and United Nations Research Institute in Social Development. London and Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Degraaf, H. J., C. J. M. Musters, et al. (1996). Sustainable development: Looking for new strategies. 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