Contents Notes |
This year's volume of State of the World considers how "cultures of consumption" can be transformed into "cultures of sustainability." Many ideas take inspiration from diverse traditions: religions can be called upon to embrace their own deepest values and renounce materialism, practices honoring elders as transmitters of ancient wisdom can be spread beyond regions where they still thrive (Africa, India, etc.); thousand-year-old Asian farming methods can be revived. Ideas for restructuring education include replacing the "Three Rs" with the "Seven Rs" ("reduce, reuse, recycle, respect, reflect, repair, and responsibility") and emphasizing "environmental education" in higher learning. The largest-scale changes include shifting societal goals from "maximizing growth of the market economy to maximizing sustainable human well being," ensuring that the burden of reduced production falls on the wealthiest, not the poorest. "Like a tsunami, consumerism has engulfed human cultures and Earth's ecosystems. Left unaddressed, we risk global disaster. But if we channel this wave, intentionally transforming our cultures to center sustainability, we will not only prevent catastrophe but may usher in an era of sustainability--one that allows all people tho thrive while protecting, even restoring, Earth. In this year's State of the World report, 50+ renowned researchers and practitioners describe how we can harness the world's leading institutions--education, the media, business, government, traditions, and social movements--to reorient cultures toward sustainability."--Provided by publisher. |