I agree with you – insofar as I don’t think that changing electoral cycles is the main solution (electing our representatives for 30 years wouldn’t necessarily enhance the chances of achieving sustainable develompent!)

And agreed too on your comments about the run-up to COP15.

I do think, though, that there might be some other ‘tricks’ that could be considered (if you’ll allow me to use that word that became so controversial in the climategate controversy), and which might equip parliaments collectively to think more long-term. One is, for example, the Green Ombudsman approach – as with Hungary’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Future Generations.

Ultimately, of course, in that mix between ‘leadership’ and ‘change from below’, we do need ordinary people to play a much more significant role in demanding change. For there is a certain amount of buck-passing inherent in asking ‘visionary leaders’ to bear the bulk of the strain in any democratic process to deliver the kind of radical change that is needed.

Thanks again for your thoughtful comment Perrine.

Best.

Halina

This is a very interesting post, and you made an excellent point by highlighting to the role governments have to play in addressing sustainability/CSR issues over the long-term such as climate change. The outcome of the COP15 talks shows obviously their failure in doing so.
I believe that the notion of “business/electoral cycle” or “short-term trap” is at the core of this problem.
In the corporate world, there is a great emphasis over short-term performance given the financial markets focus on quarterly results and profits. This is a key challenge for sustainability as little credit is given to longer-term value creation strategies, particularly those that may depress today’s profits.
Same goes for the political sphere. The electoral cycle itself (a politician has 2 to 5 years at best to implement his programme before having to run for re-election) leads policymakers to have a short-term horizon, and sacrifice policies that have long-term payback on the alter of more immediate ones, that can directly have a positive impact on their constituents… i.e. policies that can have a direct impact on the public polls themselves. This is even more stringent today with the recession and the necessity for governments to keep jobs and sustain economic activity at all costs.
Can we change the political system and its electoral cycle? I doubt. But we can empower citizens to hold their representatives accountable, over both short-term and long-term goals. This starts with greater awareness and education on issues such as climate change. But most of all, it starts by telling people/citizens, what’s in it for them and their kids. And I guess this is what we failed to do leading up to COP15… . What do you think?

Thanks again for the post,
Cheers,
Perrine.