The thickening of futures

Li Jönsson,Kristina Lindström,Åsa Ståhl

doi:10.1016/j.futures.2021.102850

Li Jönsson, Kristina Lindström + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2021.102850

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Journal: Futures	Publication Date: Sep 28, 2021
Citations: 3	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Malmö University, Linnaeus University

Abstract

This paper engages with biodiversity loss. In particular, it focuses on observations and scientific facts: the decline of pollinators and what that entails for the co-living of humans and more-than-humans. This kind of work often reaches the publics as thin stories of limited futures.The article explores how to situate the issue of out-of-sync plant–pollinator relationships into thick, ongoing presents rather than as a distant future that is out of one’s own hands. This is done through a collaborative design project that experiments with various formats for staging more material, embodied and experiential ways to sensitise and invite humans to experience the issue of pollination. We therefore explore and give an account of how we have situated the issues in a thick, ongoing present as an anticipatory practice. We thus suggest a practice that becomes both sticky and sweaty; in addition, the practice moves some pollination facts into not only matters of concern but also matters of care.In doing so, we forward the role that design researchers can play in environmental and collaborative anticipation by engaging with emerging approaches to both biodiversity loss and collaborative future-making that are simultaneously conflicting and harsh as well as hopeful.

Highlights

The article explores how to situate the issue of out-of-sync plant–pollinator relationships into thick, ongoing presents rather than as a distant future that is out of one’s own hands
We will focus on one particular prediction of a thin future: the alarming loss of pollinators, which in turn will lead to the loss of many of the fruits, vegetables and other crops that we take for granted today
We ask ourselves: How can such thin stories of the future influence the way we act in the present? How do they influence the way we relate to, prepare for, and intervene in the future? How can we stage such important information and reports in ways that might better sensitise us to the issue of pollination?

Summary

Introduction

“Good stories reach into rich pasts to sustain thick presents to keep the story going for those who come after” (Haraway, 2016a, p. 125). Through curating a set of designed recipes for appetisers containing ingredients that stage different pollination relations, participants were invited to discuss and digest multiple ways of engaging in a troubled and thick present that is attached to ongoing pasts and still-possible futures (Haraway, 2016a). How can we use designerly means to expand the to keep the story going?

The experimental and caring set-up

Embodied more-than-human storytelling

The thickeners

Recipes for troubled presents and still-possible futures

Conclusion