Sustainability. The most overused, misunderstood and abused word in the world today! Politicians mislead us with it; companies speak tons about it but few get it; the UN and their 17 much heralded SDS’ s (sustainable development goals) is light years from it; the Net Zero agenda ignores it, and the Green movement as a whole can be conveniently selective about it. Our economy, society and the environment - or People, Planet and Profit. Everything is linked; everything is connected; you cannot solve problems in any one without looking at the entire pillar and the entire system; everything is a choice with consequences; and, critically, ‘there are no solutions, only trade-offs’. Few acknowledge that, even less admit it... But we're slowly getting there - more to follow! #sustainabilty #environment #economy #cociety #netzero
And… don’t we need to simplify it in a way people can understand? The wild fires in Jasper, Canada were caused by climate change, a lack of acknowledgment of climate change, hubris, and certainty that what has worked will always work. When I was in elementary education in Canada, we were taught that our natural resources were our ticket to wealth and sustainability. Wrong.
True Adrian . But the answer does not lie in trade offs - it lies in looking at it holistically - as you point out - but economics is key and this is where science and technology will help and show us the way . Economists don’t have the answer ; scientists and technologists do . So there is great hope . This fight against climate change will be won .
Unless we focus on education, the journey is truly difficult.
Why do you think the SDS’ are not enough. I like how comprehensive it is. What’s missing?
I like the “ no solutions, only compromises “ realism. If More people, especially those in power could get that we would be a lot better off!
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5moI couldn't agree with you more Adrian Hayes. Everything is a choice with consequences... However, I'd opine that this is a long and complex journey, which will continue to evolve. A pragmatic and holistic approach seems the only way (to me) to achieve true sustainability but I'm also sure there are going to be some "interesting" bumps in the road to overcome along the way. Keep fighting the good fight.