32. The Scale of Values

The Scale of Values is about establishing what is very important to ensure a sound future for Earth, what is important, what is not so important, and what should be let go. From this scale, to be agreed upon by all members of The Global Community, the assessment of sustainable development can be conducted. The Benchmark for the 21st Century is the scale we are developing now together. It is also the first measurement of sustainable development ever obtained locally, regionally, nationally and globally. This first evaluation is conducted with respect to the four interacting systems: social, economic, environmental and in the wise husbanding of natural resources.

Every 'individual' is responsible to oneself and others, and takes responsibility for the community by dealing wisely with consumption, work, finances, health, resources, family, wildlife and Earth. An 'individual' here may be a person, a corporation, a NGO, a local community, businesses, a nation, or governments. The key is personal responsibility. We are all responsible to find what is very important to sustain Earth. This Scale of Values is about just that.

The urgency index, U, described in the mathematical model, is one of the four indices of the equation for the evaluation of impacts. It is the index or variable that reflects the level of responsibility we are willing to take to solve the problem, impact or concern. It reflects the importance of the need to find a solution to the stress within a reasonable period of time or else the impact will cause significant damages and will be felt by the next generations to come.

The scale is as follows. The minimum value is 1 and is equivalent to saying that the impact is not important and may be resolved within a century. The maximum value is 10 and is equivalent to saying that the impact is very important, no waiting allowed, so as to ensure a sound future for Earth.

The values between 1 and 10 have been defined in the Mathematical Model.


All societal and consumer values need to be explored in the context of sustainability. Universal values need to be found in all aspects of life keeping in mind our goal to sustain Earth.