Undermining quality of life

James Heartfield, writing it today’s Guardian, outlines a model study of one of the many damaging consequences of growth scepticism: the failure to build sufficient homes in Britain. He summarises the process as follows:

“first, the announcement that there will be millions of new homes built; second, outcry from conservationists about the threat to our countryside, wildlife or way of life, and third … not very much happens. After a few months, banners are put away and letter-writing campaigns dwindle as the JCBs fail to appear.”

The same pattern is apparent in many other areas: politicians and others give lip service to the need for growth, numerous potential limits and objections are raised … not very much happens. It is evident in relation to energy, transport infrastructure, third world development and many other areas.

It is ironic that growth sceptics claim the mantle of quality of life and yet do so much to undermine it for ordinary people.