Santa Clara University

Perhaps the most important thing that can be done by an action-oriented community may deal with implementing taxation for the cost of consumption on the environment. This may fall into the fields of business, public policy, politics, government, international diplomacy, and many other areas. Consumption and growth lead to negative outcomes in the current system. The continual growth in consumption chokes the environment at an accelerated rate, a condition that must be reversed.

I am a proponent of capitalism, but without proper changes, the results may be undesirable. Within the current system, individuals often do not bear the full cost to society for the goods that they consume. If an automobile emits more pollution into the air than another automobile, no driver pays more of a price. This needs to change. Globally, consumers should begin to pay the cost for consuming goods that impair the environment. When the cost is borne, other products will surface that will meet consumers' needs and be environmentally friendly. The new products will create economic growth and opportunity.

I would be encouraged to see a field of study at Santa Clara that not only creates awareness, but takes action to see that when the world consumes, it does it with the principles of sustainability. Leadership is taking this action to create new opportunities and possibilities and shifting from the current path.