Rebuilding a Smart and Sustainable Human Society for the World

Abstract

A bit under 10 years: That’s what it took engineers and project managers to bring some human beings to the Moon in the 60’s. That’s also the time we have to act and rebuild a smart and sustainable human society for the world, and one good indicator for this is reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030. The Sulitest’s matrix gives an excellent structure to explain the current situation and share information in a structured and helpful way; a way in which all can find an answer to this key question: “What can YOU do NOW to rebuild a smart and sustainable society for the world?” The Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, also known as The Natural Step Framework, is the best approach I’ve found to help create needed systemic and strategic changes. Examples from the business or scientific areas can shed light on how to achieve this incredibly needed change to discuss the role of technology, and to explore how systems change and can be transformed. In this paper, I’ll share some of the experience and learnings I’ve gained over the last 20 years, trying to acce lerate change towards sustainability. I’ll share the fact that it’s fun and motivating, as well as an incredible opportunity for all, even if it’s not necessarily always easy like most good things which do require efforts to reach. And for all the ones who won’t be able to read further: If not now, when? If not here, where? If not you and I, who?