PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE EUROPE? - TU Berlin

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resistance against the Trans-European Networks, gave itself the following mission
statement (see http://www.aseed.net/about.htm), worth quoting in full:
Action for Solidarity, Equality, Environment and Diversity (A SEED) Europe is
against the exploitation of both people and nature. We believe the fundamental causes
of ecological destruction and maldevelopment are patterns of domination and control.
These stem from patriarchy, colonialism, scientific reduction, imperialism and the
more recent imposition of a ruthless, "free" market globalisation. This globalisation
process is being driven by the increasing mobility of capital. Transnational
corporations and their institutional aides such as the World Trade Organisation and
international financial institutions concentrate global wealth and power by breaking
into and destroying local markets and taking away local decision making. Economic
globalisation intensifies inequity on all levels, concentrates resources in the hands of a
shrinking proportion of the world's population. Competition for profits becomes the
main determinant of society. Globalisation leads to every region and individual
competing against each other, creating a vicious downwards spiral where the worst
social and environmental conditions become dominant. Our current economic system
regards nature as a resource to be exploited, which stands in sharp contrast to the
symbiotic relationship of humans as a part of nature. A SEED Europe strives towards
cultural and biological diversity. We reject and work to end discrimination on the basis
of age, class, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religious belief and sexual preferences.
We support the right of individuals and communities to determine their own lives.
Vital tools towards these aims are: promoting grass root organisation, education,
mobilisation and non-violent direct action such that people are able to act for social
and environmental justice from local to global level. (Lyon, October 1996)
Most political economy approaches are much more moderate, of course. For
example, the goal statement of the European Federation for Transport and Environment
(T&E), the umbrella organization of (alternative) traffic clubs in Europe, also centers its
mission around societal factors of transport, but the organization is much more willing to
work within current societal and political structures, even stressing “efficiency” aspects
(see http://www.t-e.nu):
Transport affects everyone; it must function efficiently while causing minimum
damage to the environment and human health. However, this damage seems to be
increasing rather than diminishing. For this reason T&E speaks out for sustainable
transport in Europe.