And very few of the developed countries are anywhere near the 0.7 per cent target they set themselves many years ago, for official development assistance as a proportion of their gross national product. Other ills, while not the product of globalization, have spread more easily because of the open borders, open markets and technological advances that have brought so many benefits to some of the world's people. Terrorists, criminals, drug dealers, traffickers in people and others take advantage of these new freedoms and new capabilities. Moreover, they thrive in countries with weak laws, institutions and safeguards against corruption. Climate change and water pollution show no respect for borders.
Unsustainable practices remain deeply embedded in the fabric of our daily lives.
Yes, legally binding treaties have been adopted covering global warming, biodiversity and depletion of the ozone layer. Voluntary efforts by valiant individuals and citizens groups have spread public awareness. But the inescapable global reality is that we are plundering our children's future. Half the world's jobs depend directly on the sustainability of ecosystems, yet the need for environmentally sustainable development is failing to register on the political radar screen. It gives me no pleasure to recite a litany of globalization's discontents.