Encyclopedia of World Problems - Archived Information

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Figure 4: Significance of 3-letter codes

Based on combinations of functions presented in Figure 1. Wordings are indicative only. See also Figure 2. For each 3-letter code in the table below, the first line indicates a functional ("constructive") approach second line indicates a dysfunctional ("destructive") approach. See also use in triangular areas of icosidodecahedral representation in Figure 3A and 3B.
 

Code
Development-focused
Environment-sensitive
LER Application of knowledge to redesign the environment (eg draining swamps, clearing forests, introduction of species) Application of knowledge to reconstitute devastated ecosystems
. Irresponsible intervention in ecosystems (eg elimination of wetlands) Ineffectual application of knowledge to remedy negative environmental conditions
LTE Application of learning to productive exploitation of the environment ("green revolution") / Biotechnology management Science for sustainable development
. Environmentally irresponsible research / Irresponsible biotechnology / Unconstrained advocacy of agro-chemicals  Ineffectual use of learning to ensure environmentally sound development
LTR Application of knowledge/know-how according to production/commercial priorities (arms production) Appropriate research for economic development / Research into non-exploitative patterns of production
. Misapplication of knowledge (weapons research) Ineffectual/Unproductive application of knowledge for development
PER Fulfilment of reproductive needs / Unconstrained population dynamics  Population control / Family planning-
. -Excessive population levels (for the environment) / Unwanted children Eugenics / In-breeding / Ageing population / Unbalanced sex ratio
PLE Traditional (spiritual) bond with the environment Environmental awareness
. Taboo / Superstition Environmental fascism
PLR Maintenance of traditional patterns of authority (or cultural values) / Imposition of particular ideology Human rights / "Affirmative action"
. Social rigidity / Discrimination against minorities /Repression / Socially inappropriate conceptual inadequacies ?
PLT Restrictive proprietary trade (seed varieties) / Arms trade  Development of culturally sensitive products / Exchange of cultural artefacts
. Dependence on high yield crops Culturally insensitive development
PTE Economic exploitation of environmental endowments  Husbandry / Stewardship of available resources
. Military-Industrial complex / Cash crops Community collapse / Economic decay
PTR Capital investment ideology for economic gain (eg capitalism) Economic development programmes / Aid for development / Aid "with human rights strings"
. Exploitative political/economic ideologies (eg colonialism, fascism) Ineffectual remedial ideologies (eg socialism, communism)
PWE Environmentally-dependent indigenous communities / Nomadic lifestyles Creation of ecological settlements (cities/villages) and lifestyles
. Unsustainable land/water use / Refugees / Homelessness / Migration / Squatters Socially unattractive/alienating ecological settlements/lifestyles
PWL Belongingness / Roots Charitable action
. Ethnic disintegration / Cultural invasion Indifference to condition/suffering of others
PWR Protection of the population / Security / Defence Peace-keeping operations / Empowering communities
. Socio-political insecurity / Disempowerment Miscarriage of justice / Police brutality 
PWT Productive employment / Livelihood security Development of alternative employment opportunities
. Unemployment / Food shortages ?
TER Exploitation of resources for economic development (survival) Sustainable use of resources / Restraint on exploitative economic growth
. Wasting non-renewable resources / Laying waste / Wastes Ineffectual/Unproductive use of resources (for survival)
WER Exploitation of environment to enhance quality of life (eg safaris, all terrain vehicles, exotic plants / pets /cosmetics / foodstuffs / drugs) Living in harmony with nature
. Urban decay / Slums Ineffectual endeavours to live in harmony with nature
WLE Exploitation of environmental and cultural resources to maximize well-being / Consumerism Cultivation of more appropriate (environment-friendly) consumption patterns / "Caring for the Earth"
. Over-consumption patterns Fadism / Cultism
WLR Human resource development / Training for jobs / Educating public opinion / Public health programs Creation of opportunities to fulfil aspirations and identity needs / Affirmative action / Appropriate lifestyles
. Inappropriate education / Propaganda Alienation / Substance abuse
WLT Exploitation of cultural heritage / Exploitation of commercial opportunities of tourism Cultural development
. Degradation of cultures / Cultural invasion Cultural homogenization / Cultural imperialism
WTE Energy-intensive production to improve quality of life / Exploitation of energy resources for development (survival) / Production of non-essentials (throw-away products) Low-resource living and production patterns / Sustainable agricultural development
. Over-exploitation of environmental resources (eg over-fishing, over-grazing, fuel-wood crisis, "slash and burn") Subsistence agriculture / Grinding poverty
WTR Protection of trade, production and traditional livelihoods Creation of new economic opportunities / Improving conditions of work (quality of working environment) /Allocation of resources for development
. Restrictive trade practices / Exploitative conditions of work / Crime Ineffectual development initiatives / Structural adjustment "without a human face" / Informal economies