Sustainability, the interconnection of everything
Can we really create a better future without taking the time, space, and courage to imagine it? Isn’t that how invention occurs? Through a magical moment of inspiration that strikes someone to think of a design or idea that could change the entire world. Many such examples exist throughout history. So why can’t we seem to collectively imagine a world where everyone has their needs met and suffering isn’t central to many people’s lives? A sustainable economic model incorporates the complex experience of life and challenges the narrow measure of success today — profit.
We can’t compartmentalize humanity. We must shift our economic model to measure the success of a business based on its impact to the collective.
I recently watched the YouTube video ; “We’re wired for conformity…” by Todd Rose of Big Think. The premise is that we have many societal agreements we currently uphold that people don’t believe in. What’s required to shift folks from intellectually disagreeing while accepting the status quo to behavioral change? Well, I’d like to think that is my purpose! To create this impactful change we need folks who are willing to step out, think big, and break through our mental blockages.
The current dominant business model doesn’t prioritize people or our planet.
· During the COVID-19 pandemic, a once in a century event that killed millions of people, the wealthiest pocketed two-thirds of all new wealth; the equivalent of $26 trillion dollars.
· Exxon oil has known for decades that their product causes climate change and continue to make record profits.
· UN Global Compact estimates Scope 3 emissions account for more than 70% of an organization’s carbon footprint and yet few organizations have incorporated scope three emission goals to address the climate crisis.
· Net wealth for Black families is only 1/10th that of white American’s. This hasn’t change in the seventy years.
We must see ourselves as interconnected and apply the morals and values we individual prescribe to have. What does that look like?
The most radical act one can take is to be an active part of your community.
Buy from local and diverse owned businesses in your community. Stop participating in fast fashion. Support local farms and/or grow your own food. Participate in your local mutual aid network or start your own.
We must work to localize businesses, resources, time, and support towards one another. What do we really need in order to live a long and fulfilling life? According to this Degrowth video, “How We End Consumerism” the world could live with the same quality of life that US had during the 1950’s.
Without radical transformation in how we live, we will not have a high-quality life for future generations.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Perception Survey 2022–2023 outlook is looking bleak for the life sustaining natural environment we need to thrive. Many of the sticky issues of our time can be solved with appropriate resourcing. One example of the interconnection of these issues and ability to solve for them is found within Project Draw Down. They compiled a list of the most effective global solutions to support humanity and sustainable lifestyle. Educating girls and family planning were ranked 6th and 7th as impactful solutions to climate change.
Did you know the global Indigenous communities are responsible for protecting 80% of the global biodiversity that sustains us as less than 5% of the global population. In fact, even the United Nations agrees. For decades, many communities of color for have been forced to live next to polluting industries causing cancer, asthma, and other health implications. Have you heard of Cancer Alley?
When I say that sustainability is the interconnection of everything, I really mean it. Sustainability to me is the intersection of all things. Thank you for joining me in building community, planting the seeds of change and exploring how we can collectively dream up a sustainable future.
