Corporate Social Review Magazine 3rd & 4th QUARTER 2012 | Page 67

Thierry and the Organic Farmers A conversation that evokes renewed thinking What will the world of tomorrow be like? How can people adapt to climate change? In the course of my interview with Thierry Alban Revert--an environmental activist by choice and conviction--I am struck by his fervent energy to explain the diverse probabilities of these questions, based on projection of current trends. I am eager to learn about his life's mission to persuade government, large corporations, and even ordinary citizens to acknowledge responsibility for over-exploitation of natural resources for the sake of economic wealth, which if not halted will erode the chances of humanity's continued existence. “The greatest challenges we face as a country is poverty, pollution and moral depression “, says Thierry Alban. I have a barrage of questions to ask, about how social issues should be addressed in the country; and whether the billions being spent on social reform are effectual. Do you think that South Africa's social issues can ever be effectively addressed? “I believe this is possible through the creation of a National Charter for social responsibility and investment, and for tested eco-social enterprises to do the work on the ground. The establishment of an education and training CSR Academy is necessary so that companies and other civil society stakeholders, like churches, can measure their effectiveness and impact on performance.” CORPORATE SOCIAL REVIEW 65