85 richest people as wealthy as poorest half of the world

That’s a shocking fact.  The timing of that headline is appropriate as the rich gather to enjoy the luxuries that Davos, in the Swiss Alps, has to offer the World Economic Forum.

Anyone reading this is unlikely to be one of those 85 people, but you are definitely in the top 10%.  And everyone at the WEF is probably in the top 1% (the richest 70 million).

Ironically WEF 2014 intends to focus on Achieving Inclusive Growth  and Sustaining a World of 9 Billion.  There is little awareness among any participants of the kind of whole system change that is required to achieve those objectives.  Testament to their naive, self-importance is the fact that they do not realise today’s world of 7 billion is unsustainable despite the decadence (aka decay) that surrounds them everyday and the daily news of climate extremes, biodiversity loss, injustice and greed at among the top 1%.

There might be ignorance and selfishness but we can try to make a difference in our own little space by voting with consumption and investment for a more equitable humanity.

The Guardian: Oxfam: 85 richest people as wealthy as poorest half of the world