Inequality is not Gravity

Inequality is not a inevitable force of nature - it is a human-made problem that can be solved

In her opinion piece dated 3 April 2024, "A country is not a company and a Prime Minister is not a CEO."  Chlöe Swarbrick addresses the "sense of inevitability about a deeply unfair, climate-changed world" that is seeping through the Kiwi psyche. 

"We are living in the consequences of decisions made by human beings. It’s not natural for our waters to run polluted while those experiencing homelessness put together makeshift beds out the front of luxury stores. It’s the result of political decisions that have prioritised short-term, hyper-individualised gain at the expense of pretty much everything that holds society and the climate necessary for our survival together."

I was intrigued to read about 2,000 Swiss women who took the Swiss government to Europe's top human rights court for violating the human rights of its citizens by failing to do enough to combat climate change. On Tuesday, the court ruled in their favour, finding the Swiss government guilty of inaction that put its citizens at risk.You can read about this here: Swiss women win landmark climate case at Europe top human rights court.  

We task our government with making policy decisions that are in the best interests of all its citizens. Urgent policy changes are needed to reverse growing wealth and income inequality in this country.As inequality has grown across the world a body of evidence has emerged showing that societies with greater levels of inequality fail to maximise wellbeing. 

 Inequality has wide-ranging damaging effects. It impacts at every life stage and compounds over time. Worse education and health outcomes, lower social mobility, higher crime, reduced mental wellbeing, lower social cohesion, increased child poverty...the list goes on.

I wonder if we will ever see the citizens of a country take their government to court for failing them, by refusing to take action to combat inequality?

The mind boggles. The desire to end high levels of wealth and income inequality is not about envy. It's about ensuring everyone can access the resources they need to thrive - a roof over their head, adequate healthcare, nutritious food, a quality education. It's about fair work and fair pay. It's about help with dignity for those who need it. It's about caring for our environment so it can care for us.

Inequality is not gravity. We can, and must act.

(Oh, and just to add, contrary to certain held beliefs:  "New Zealand’s economic growth and economic development does not have to be at the expense of increasing inequality.") 

Tracey Sharp