In this day and age of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), Carbon Footprint, the “Green” movement, Human Rights; a quick look around us still shows major signs of sticking to the “old ways”.
Only yesterday I had a sort of interview with a UK based company who is looking at expanding their business internationally. What is scary is that they don’t have a mission statement, driving factors or beliefs that are pushing them forward – only that they see dollar signs and Euro symbols and are interested in getting a piece of the cake. Unfortunately, these people are in the energy management business, and yet don’t seem to have environmental concerns. Sadly, this is nothing new to me, as it is the same as with the company that I have been working for for a couple years.
Although I have not been following what has been going on in Dubai over the past week (I was on vacation in Tunisia), I must say that their future has been clear to me since I was there about a year ago. The growth and the exuberance that is being built in Dubai goes against sustainable practices. Not only are the foundations not sustainable for business, but they are not for living either. The divide between the upper and lower classes is ENORMOUS; with people paying thousands of dollars for a night in a luxurious hotel, to the dollar-a-day pay for those Indian and Pakistani workers who build, clean, and support this lifestyle.
Most press about Dubai is about their luxe, and the islands that they are building and selling for millions. The following short (3 minute) video is an excellent glimpse of what is really going on the ground with the migrant workers that are building this emirate (or the United Arab Emirates).
Or click here for the direct link.
Information is power. This sort of old mentality and methodology of having the rich prosper at the sufferance of the poor must stop! This idea pertains to everyone on a daily basis; not just poor refugee workers. We need to voice ourselves and put our foot down when injustices like this happen. No means NO! The line in the sand now needs to be drawn.