There is no more unsustainable activity than war. War causes the breakdown of the social and ecological community to the extent that it may be a risk to the survival of human beings and all life on our planet in the extreme event of nuclear war. Indeed, even the preparation for war (maintainence of the military through economic, political and social support and the provision of locations for bases and training) is toxic to human relations and the environment alike.
All military activities are environmentally damaging. Weapons are made from toxic heavy metals like tungsten, lead and enriched or weapons-grade uranium (formerly misnamed as ‘depleted’ uranium). Miltiary vehicles are climate insensitive: the Hummer, a notorious gas-guzzler, was developed for military purposes. Likewise, tanks and naval vessels are not designed for fuel efficiency but for power. Military bases are often placed in environmentally sensitive regions and are linked to the contamination of waterways, soil and air, as well as significant noise pollution. Project Censored estimate the U.S. military to be the most polluting multinational organisation in the world. Yet environmental laws both local and international are waivered for the benefit of military activities.
Military activities are socially damaging. Social problems often accompany military bases in the form of increased public drunkeness, street violence, prostitution and attacks on women. Even within the military sexual harrassment and interpersonal violence are the norm. The location of military bases often conflict with the needs of the local people: displacement of indigenous peoples, contamination and illness from military environmental pollution are common. Wherever military bases are people object to them in their midst.
The aftermath of war has left Iraq and Afghanistan socially disrupted, contaminated and impoverished. The ‘anything goes’ mentality of war-makers has seen as many as 100,000 civilians killed in the gulf region, public infrastructure destroyed, the air, soil and water toxic with uranium weapons and as a result of the destruction of severage and health systems. For the people of the gulf region, war has made their lives immeasurably worse: hunger, disease, lack of access to clean water and birth defects are more common than before. Civilians continue to be killed as ‘collerateral damage’ to military operations.
Where the military are active, unsustainable practices ensue. By the same token where scarcity or environmental degradation exist, competition and conflict over resources is inevitable. So it is appropriate that social movements recgonise the interconnections between the need for peace and sustainability. Hence Brisbane have organised a Peace and Sustainability fair to showcase the great work being done by social justice and environmental advocates to make the world a better place.
Peace and Sustainability Fair
Saturday, 18 September 2010 – 10:00am
Musgrave Park, South Brisbane
From the International Peace Day Alliance web site: “Integrating Make Poverty History’s STAND UP EVENT and in support of the Asia Pacific Commemorations of the Tenth Anniversary of the Earth Charter, The Peace and Sustainability Fair 2010 is a community festival celebrating Brisbane ’s diversity is being held as the finale of three days of commemorations and dialogue.
Over 40 peace and sustainability stalls will be at the fair…visitors can learn about green energy options, learn about Brisbane Groups who battle human trafficking, buy a lunch and the proceeds go to overseas women’s groups…come and be part of ‘building a better world’ ”
The Festival is supported by the:
Brisbane City Council
Australia Pacific Earth Charter +10
United Nations Australia QLD Branch
International Day of Peace Alliance Inc.