Not back to normal, please

Never waste a good crisis. The corona crisis is a huge opportunity to change a number of things. Therefore, let us not get back to normal! Last month, 170 Dutch scientists signed a manifesto for more sustainability and social justice. The core of their manifesto consisted of five demands:

1. Replacement of the current economic development model, focused on generic growth of the BNP, by a new model, which distinguishes sectors that need investment (energy, education, healthcare) and sectors that should shrink because of their lack of sustainability (oil, gas, mining) or their role in the encouragement of overconsumption (publicity).
2. Development of an economic policy that aims at redistribution, one that foresees a basic income for all, progressive taxation, reduction of labour time and sharing of jobs. More recognition for jobs in health care and education.
3. Transition to a circular economy, based on biological diversity, more sustainable, local food production. Reduction of meat production. Employment with social justice.
4. Reduction of consumption and travelling, transition from luxurious wasteful travelling to more sustainable, essential and meaningful types of travelling.
5. Reduction of the debt for those who have been hit hardest: employees, small entrepreneurs and countries in development.

A lot of these points have been mentioned before in my blogs about sustainability and economy. Let us not waste this crisis.