Swedish prime minster Reinfeldt continues to focus on climate issues. Today in New York he will announce an initiative to make foreign aid more climate friendly – and even climate restorative.
As the sceptic I have become this initiative gives me double feelings. Part of me says – of course, should have been done years ago! The other says – OK, what is going to be the under-lying mental model for this commission?
My fear is that this will be driven with a technology point of view. With better tech we solve everything. Presto! And who has the tech? Us in Europe and the US, I guess. Maybe some Asians. And the message continues to a familiar tune – Let us help you, just do as we suggest and all will be fine.
Perhaps our practices in the developing countries will shape up due to our increasing self-interest. (I think the proposed commission is a part of this trend). But the vibes are all too "imperialistic" for my taste.
An article in Swedish on the commission here. I’m still looking for a piece in English.