Editorial: The South Asian Tsunami and Some Lessons for Economic Development

As the shock and horror of the recent South Asian tsunami settles in, I have been thinking about what this unfathomable natural disaster means to my work in economic development.

First and foremost, my heart goes out to the nearly 70,000 people killed by this disaster and their families. It's up to each of us to help in whatever we can to lessen the pain and suffering caused by these losses.

Second, this disaster is a vivid reminder to all of us of Nature's power, and the need to heed the voice of our Earth Mother when She speaks to us with such force. It makes me take stock of my work in economic development and whether I am doing enough to protect our natural environment that sustains all of us. The simple answer is there is much more than I can do. As I scan the economic development industry worldwide, I do not believe that we do enough as stewards of our environmental resources. The communities of our Earth must do a better job of living in balance.

Third, the tsunami disaster has huge economic (and economic development) implications for South Asia. Much economic pain will be felt by these already very poor nations as they struggle to achieve a higher level of economic progress. This destruction will hobble the fledgling tourism and production industries in those countries most impacted by the disaster.

Finally, all of us must pay closer attention in the future to the stresses and strains being experienced by our natural environment. There are many reminders as we look across the United States: 1) the recent hurricanes in Florida and the Gulf Coast; 2) past tornadoes that have devastated many states across the country; 3) severe earthquakes in California and other states in recent years; and 4) the gradual erosion of our natural resources in many places as sprawling development intrudes upon our natural landscape.

I, for one, plan to take heed of these important lessons. I would encourage each of you as readers of ED Futures to examine yourself and determine whether you can do more in the future.