9. Redesign
52 Climate Solutions this week looks at redesigning, for now and the future. We'll create vision statements, design plans and action lists, and share some great resources to get you inspired.
Dominant, business-as-usual ways of living are sending nature and human civilisation on a destructive path. The challenges to shift societal trajectories towards sustainability, seem insurmountable. Floods, fires and pandemics overwhelm us, and make the need for action on climate ever more urgent. But after the weekend's somewhat buoying election result, with a clear vote for climate action, we are presented with an opportunity to redesign the future we want.
Futurists and forecasters respond to cues in nature and society to infer plausible futures. They also look at history to find patterns in how societies respond to calamity. Consider the dramatic shifts that occurred after the Plague, or after each World War, for example. Uncertainty of the near future can instil feelings of fear and doubt. But we can't solve climate change from a place of fear. Better to learn from the past and support each other to live more sustainably in the future.
For this weeks’ #52climatesolutions, we ask you to redesign. Consider how learnings from the events of recent years will influence how you act. Think about the kind of future you want for the world. Is your desired future one where everyone is healthy, thriving and living without degrading nature? Maybe there is more social equity, empathy and social cohesion? We’d all have a slightly different take on this, but surely, we can work creatively from a common ground.
Redesign at home can start with a simple list or more detailed plan. What areas will you focus on? Who will you engage? Chat with friends and neighbours and redesign together. Write to, or visit, your newly elected or re-elected local MP and let them know how they can best represent you. Make a household pact, a permaculture design plan, read Retrosuburbia, write a letter to your future self about what’s important to you now. Hold a community visioning day. Get creative! This change of government offers us a blank page for a new beginning. So how will you help design it?
Read on for some tips on creating vision statements and community visioning events, and a checklist of design considerations for positive change. Also some great resources to inspire and this week’s printable colouring page! Don’t forget you can find tea-towels and art prints for the first 52 climate solutions, as drawn by our eldest kiddo, Audrey, available here.
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