“Triple Bottom Line,” a False Model
The Forest Foundation does not subscribe to a “triple bottom line” approach as we feel this model is superficial. We prefer to follow the concept and understanding of natural capital and the philosophy of the great North Carolinian theologian, Thomas Berry, who has written extensively on our cosmology in terms of knowledge, unity, communion and integration. Particularly, it is a fact that our human economy is a subset of and wholly dependent on the natural world, governed by the laws of physics and ecology. This worldview is hierarchal, as the planet’s species and ecological interactions are the base and we are one of many species sharing these resources. These species and their ecological connections have intrinsic value and are needed for our own survival. If human economy is to thrive, it must understand and learn to mimic the natural systems of our planet. In so doing, the energy requirements will be more in line with the true natural systems that we currently undervalue.
The Foundation also seeks to value the wisdom of women, indigenous communities, who have lived closer and longer in unity with nature, as well as the basic labor and culture reflected in hand made items and fairly traded goods. Because of cheap energy provided by fossil fuels, much of our economy and its transactions are improperly valued. In addition, market externalities are keeping our most important things needed for human community from being properly valued and traded. Technology has a role to play, but ultimately it will be a process of becoming more knowledgeable and aware of how our natural systems work and our place within them, that will allow us to survive.
Using the “triple bottom line” as an introduction and simplified model may help, but it creates and false impression that if we optimize our social and economic values with environmental values we will find the best solution. This inherently over weights our human economy at the expense of the natural world.