Wednesday, April 10, 2013

When is progress bad?

I came across a Facebook post last night about a "Belo Monte" Hydro dam proposed for Brazil, which went like this;

"THIS IMAGE SHOULD BE SEEN BY THE WHOLE WORLD

While magazines and TV chains report about the lives and love affairs of movie actors and actresses, football pla
yers and other celebrities, the Chief of the Kayapo tribe heard the worst news of his entire life:

Mrs. Dilma, the president of Brazil, has given her approval for the construction of an enormous hydroelectric central (the world’s third largest one).

This means the death sentence for ALL the tribes living at the shores of the river because the barrage will flood more or less 988,421 acres of the forest. More than 40 000 natives will have to find other living surroundings where they will be able to survive. The destruction of the natural habitat, the deforestation and the disappearance of several species of plants and animals will be a fait accompli.

We know that a simple image is the equivalent of a thousand words, it shows the price to be paid for the “quality of life” of our so-called “modern comforts.” There is no space in the world anymore for those who live differently. Everything has to be smoothed away, that everyone, in the name of globalization must lose his and her identity and way of living.

If this enrages you, I urge and implore you to "SHARE" this message to all your friends, relatives and acquaintances.

Thank you in the name of life, nature and biodiversity
."



Here's the thing, isn't hydro power actually a clean, renewable, effective source of power? Wouldn't that be preferable to the cheap fossil fuels that usually encourage industrial growth? 
And then there is the "Support Indigenous Peoples" initiative... Here's where I think to myself "Okay here are people that already enjoy the benefits of industrialization, trying to denying people who may not understand the benefits the same comforts."  I mean let's ask any Canadian Aboriginal if they would go back to strictly hunter gathering as it was done 150 years ago, while the rest of us continue on with the way life is now, would you? Or have you seen the benefits of the industrialization that was brought from Europe? Would you live without all the modern conveniences accessibility to electricity provides you? So why are the Brazil "elite" trying to deny what they have to more people?
Granted I don't know how strict or thorough the environmental process there is, but we aren't talking about a third world country. 

I understand the need to preserve local customs, culture, and heritage, but I am proud to know some awesome First Nations people that have found the balance of celebrating all these things, as well as enjoying the conveniences that an industrialized nation has to offer. It doesn't have to be "Either/Or."