GSSS 2010 Debate / Top-down vs. bottom-up decision making

Teams: Top-down: David, Robbie, Eli Bottom-up: Dana, John, Tess

Debate notes of the "introduction statement" pro bottom-up

Tess: "They argued that the topdown approach is the only method to achieve lasting climate change solutions on a global level for current problems, but thats not true: in order to achieve a sustainable change - people also have to be prepared on an individual level, therefore the bottom up approach has to be strengthend. Topdown decision implementation without agreement through the society leads to sabotage, mistrust and counter-actions and implementation will fail. So here are some first characteristics and examples of the bottom-up approach, that we think are important and we will show further examples while the discussion is developing.

1. Bottom-up approach is building the pool for creating change. 2. If people see the need for a change - understand the reasons for it - they will make it happen and even strive for greater changes and demand them. That`s the time when ideas emerge that later might lead to topdown strategies. For example: Solar panel on householdroofs in Germany -- idea developed in one community in Germany; municipality supported the installetion of individuel solar panels; now: it exists a nationwide subsidy-system supported by the german government for solar panels for individual households; plus a big industry developed and a lot of jobs were created - BUT without the initiative from below this great contribution of renewable energies as a permanent part of the energy supply in Germany wouldn`t exist. 3. Furthermore - bottom up approaches ensure the acceptance of extensive policies from above, IF people are convinced about the need of it. If they are, they stand up for it and are willing to participate even sacrifice something for the common goal. 4. For this reason: Delivering information and longtermn education and information distribution creates more possibilities for even more ideas that come from below and can transform into topdown strategies. 5. Another advantage of the bottom-up approach is the opportunity to create equal and improved living conditions in developing countries through action from among the people and with the help of ecological and climate friendly techniques and integration of renewable resources.