Do you mention globalization as a more mature economic term?
Helena Norberg-Hodge
Yeah, yeah, yes.
Helena Norberg-Hodge
What happens when you localize economic activity is that...
Helena Norberg-Hodge
...it, at the same time, revitalizes, restores community, the social fabric,...
Helena Norberg-Hodge
...culture, and it is healing for the environment.
Helena Norberg-Hodge
So, it leads to cultural and ecological renewal.
AERA Interviewer
Mmhmm. So, it's not just one way or one direction that it links together?
Helena Norberg-Hodge
Yes, it is because it allows cultural and ecological diversity to flourish,...
Helena Norberg-Hodge
...whereas the global economic part with giant global business, they promote one culture.
AERA Interviewer
How do you see Japan in terms of globalization and, you know, in the future?
Helena Norberg-Hodge
I think that Japan, because it industrialized and urbanized later...
Helena Norberg-Hodge
...than the English - speaking world and much of Europe,...
Helena Norberg-Hodge
...there is still more of a memory of life with more community and family,...
Helena Norberg-Hodge
...and closeness to nature.
Helena Norberg-Hodge
So, the Japanese are very important...
Helena Norberg-Hodge
...because they have gone through this very rapid industrial development.
AERA Interviewer
So, they've experienced that and they've experienced the terrible pressures,...
Helena Norberg-Hodge
...known, as you say, that are leading to psychological problems,...
Helena Norberg-Hodge
...social problems, environmental problems.
Helena Norberg-Hodge
And they have a memory of something else.
Helena Norberg-Hodge
So, I think they're in a very important position to be leaders,...
Helena Norberg-Hodge
...to find a balance between tradition and modernity, between local and global.
Helena Norberg-Hodge
Definitely, it's gonna take a very important role.