“measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile” Robert F. Kennedy

They say that countries’ value depends on it; they say that we can classify them as developed or underdeveloped depending on their GDP.

We have grown so used to hearing this lie that we have taken it for truth. GDP is merely a farce. This economic measurement reveals how our societies are obsessed with measuring everything. Everything must be quantified; otherwise, it loses its perceived significance.

We are beginning to understand that a higher GDP does not equate to equal benefits for all citizens. It cannot be used to see if people are actually getting wealthier. It is a deceptive measure that conceals more than it reveals. Often masking disparities among social classes.

In fact, GDP is not a measurement of growth and development but of destruction and inequality. Each incremental increase in GDP signifies the exploitation of limited resources intended for future generations, prioritising immediate gains over long-term sustainability.

And all of this would be less scary if our endeavours were justified, if they were for a noble cause, such as bringing an end to starvation around the world. Instead, we squander these limited resources on superfluous items, further polluting our planet.

We have since long met our needs, yet we continue to harm the environment in our quest for growth.

We are still on time to take responsibility for our acts and make meaningful changes to mitigate the harm we have been causing. We are still on time to conduct the changes that our planet needs so desperately. Teetering on the edge of a precipice, we are on the brink of dooming our children to a catastrophic fate on this planet.

Let’s be mindful of our circumstances, as life on Earth exists only once in billions of years in the entire universe; if we destroy our home, we won’t have a second planet to seek refuge on.

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