Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1217481
10 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 MARCH 2020 OPINION NOTWITHSTANDING the wars that have taken place, the past century has seen the hu- man race thriving. Numerous accomplishments were obtained by civilization, and our numbers have contin- ued to grow. Connectivity has brought us closer together, not just physically but also econom- ically. Nowadays logistical barriers can be easily eliminated, where- as in the past trade used to be hindered in this regard. As the years went by, more business has led to more em- ployment, and more employ- ment led to stronger economic growth. The more money at our dis- posal, the more we spend. Yet the fact that we have more money, does not mean that we should blindly follow the pat- tern of greedy consumption that has plagued parts of the world in recent years. Blind consumption has re- sulted in certain big businesses and multinational companies engaging in what is known as planned obsolescence, whereby their products are specifically made to last a shorter time span so that consumers buy more. In 2017 and 2018, a number of multinational companies were found guilty of planned obso- lescence and had to pay fines in return for their actions. This Government has always stated that it is pro-business, yet being simply pro-business does not do the consumers justice. Prime Minister Robert Abela has stated that the consumers are just as important as busi- ness and therefore the correct terminology used in this regard should be pro-market. We have no issues with busi- nesses growing, indeed we en- courage growth. Still, growth should not come from tricking consumers into buying more products than they need to. Manipulating consumers however, is not the only reason why planned obsolescence is bad news. At this moment in time, the global population stands at around 7.8 billion people. By 2050, it is estimated that this number will grow to up to 9.8 billion people. Yet our resources will remain the same - finite, and in the case of non-renewable resources they will even dwindle. Moving away from a linear economy and towards a circular economy is not something that we can do, but something that we should do. This requires not only a change in consumption pat- terns and culture, but also a change in our frame of mind. While it is clear that we want both ourselves and future gen- erations to live comfortably, it is also important to note that if extreme capitalism wins, there will be no future to live in. Therefore, we must act wisely if we are to make sure that we live within our limits. In Malta's case, the priority for this Government is to tran- sition towards a digital econ- omy where affordable services are offered online for everyone, regardless of their personal in- come. Meanwhile, as technology continues to improve, tradi- tional jobs are becoming more and more obsolete. Although this is a cause of con- cern, we must be on the lookout for new challenges which we could turn into opportunities. As noted in Malta's Sustaina- ble Vision for 2050, as the coun- try moves towards a greener economy, green jobs will also become available. Here we must also ensure that our workforce has the neces- sary education in order to make the quantum leap forward from the economy of the past, to the economy of the future. The European Commission's 'Green Deal' initiative, which is expected to present €1 trillion of funding for green initiatives, is a step in the right direction. The fact that there will also be a Just Transition Fund for regions that are transitioning from the past to a more sus- tainable future is also a positive sign, ensuring that no one will be left behind. Yet even here, we must ensure that such a fund has enough money within itself to cover everyone and not simply the lucky few. Overall, what must be kept in mind is that if we act wisely, there will be enough resources in the world for everyone. It is up to us to make sure that we collaborate with each other to ensure a brighter future for all. We have no issues with businesses growing, indeed we encourage growth. Still, growth should not come from tricking consumers into buying more products than they need to Carmelo Abela Planned obsolescence and the quantum leap forward Carmelo Abela is Minister within Office of the Prime Minister, responsible for implementation of manifesto, social dialogue & sustainable development