Contrary to popular belief, we do not face a choice between economy and ecology, It is often said that protecting the environment would constrain or even undermine economic growth. In fact, the opposite is true: unless we protect resources and the earth's natural capital, we shall not be able to sustain economic growth.
Interpretation
Protecting the environment is essential for sustaining economic growth.
Kofi Annan emphasizes that contrary to popular belief, the relationship between economic growth and environmental protection is not adversarial but complementary. He argues that safeguarding natural resources is crucial for long-term economic sustainability, suggesting that neglecting ecological considerations can ultimately hinder economic progress.
In practice
During a speech about corporate responsibility, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship.
If you have a problem and you can't find a solution, you meet again tomorrow and you keep talking until you find a solution. You can disagree with behavior or a particular position, but you do not resort to calling an opponent worthless.
Let us remember the large numbers of citizens who, day in and day out, through acts of volunteerism large and small, bring hope to so many of the world's disadvantaged. Let us ensure that this wonderful resource, available in abundance to every nation, is recognized and supported as it works towards a more prosperous and peaceful world.
We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.
The global HIV/AIDS epidemic is an unprecedented crisis that requires an unprecedented response. In particular it requires solidarity - between the healthy and the sick, between rich and poor, and above all, between richer and poorer nations. We have 30 million orphans already. How many more do we have to get, to wake up?
People of different religions and cultures live side by side in almost every part of the world, and most of us have overlapping identities which unite us with very different groups. We can love what we are, without hating what – and who – we are not. We can thrive in our own tradition, even as we learn from others, and come to respect their teachings.
Democracy is, in essence, a form of non-violent conflict management. If war is the worst enemy of development, healthy and balanced development is the best form of conflict prevention.
Live in each season as it passes: breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit.
Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does nature because in her inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous.
Nothing is more humbling than to look with a strong magnifying glass at an insect so tiny that the naked eye sees only the barest speck and to discover that nevertheless it is sculpted and articulated and striped with the same care and imagination.
As I grew up I was fervently desirous of becoming acquainted with Nature.
My religion is nature. That’s what arouses those feelings of wonder and mysticism and gratitude in me.
Birds are indicators of the environment. If they are in trouble, we know we'll soon be in trouble.
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