Decision time

Decision time

There are four fundamental questions that threaten to split the environmental movement:

1. Do we take money off companies? If we do, is it only certain companies, and what conditions do we attach? Do we take foundation money? These are difficult questions that people and organisations need to debate.

2. Do we sit down and talk to TNCs? If we do, on whose authority are we sitting down? I realise there are times when dialogue is inevitable, especially if people have been asked to negotiate on behalf of a community threatened by corporate behaviour. I argue that, as a rule, we should not dialogue with TNCs. Instead of sitting with companies, let’s sit together to start putting forward an alternative vision. Once we are united then we can negotiate. Negotiation with a company, especially from a position of strength, is different from company-initiated dialogue.

3. If we are going to work together - Who are we going to work with? If, for example, we are fighting globalisation, do we work with just our traditional allies, or a more broad spectrum of groups?

4. What is our vision for the future? We cannot just highlight the problems, we also have to start working on solutions. Do we accept Shell's and Monsanto's vision of a globalised world dominated by them and by Microsoft and Macdonalds and other unaccountable corporations, who see no limits to growth or limits on manipulation of life? In essence, do we believe that TNCs are part of the solution or problem?

In short, is our future one of compromise or change? I believe the environmental movement stands at a crossroads. As more and more companies want to sit down and negotiate with NGOs, we have to be clear in what we want and what our vision is for the future. Do we envisage these companies being part of a really sustainable future, or do we ask ourselves whether these companies can ever be sustainable?

And if we believe they cannot, then what is the point in wasting precious time, energy and resources talking to them?

More information from lynx@gn.apc.org