Transformative changes for our future
Yesterday the editors of The Lancet, Planetary Heath published this editorial “Transforming our future“, which describes the need for “deep, even transformative, changes to our dominant social and economic systems”. They lay out the benefits beyond simply reducing environmental risks. However, they also note that we “seem to be largely planning to continue in the same way.”
Key drivers of our ignorance (willful or otherwise) of the need for change include:
- the disconnection of people from nature and domination over nature and other people;
- the inequitable concentration of power and wealth; and
- the prioritization of short-term individual and material gains.
The consequences of delaying changes are not only loss of ecosystem functions, upon which so much of our very existence is based, but also significant economic and social impacts that will far exceed costs of immediate preemptive actions. This was the same message that Dr. Rockstrom discussed in my other recent Weekly Article.
But, the real questions for today are how do we get the leadership (local, regional, national, & international) to implement these changes? And, what traumas will it take for us to stop fighting one another for our short-sighted personal self-interest and start working together for a planet supporting all life – humans included? Unfortunately, we’re on a path to see the answer to that second question.
What can you do? Start listening to others with visions for a sustainable future that may seem different from yours and see what you have in common. Start imagining and working toward that better future that counters the three drivers of our ignorance cited above. And, share those thoughts with others who share your concern for future generations.
As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts about this topic and others as well.
Cheers
Bill
