Of Two Worlds

[John F Neville]

On our website, SustainableArizona.org, we provide a range of services - primarily links to all sorts of information sources. We don't provide green tips. We let others do that. The problem we have with green tips is that they often come without any understanding of the underlying principles of sustainability or any appreciation of how little benefit most of them are.

My background has been in the development of systems approaches to learning concepts and skill sets and then applying systems thinking to creating solutions to issues of the day. When I look at the most serious issues of the day - climate change, Peak Oil and resource depletion, population growth and inequity - the interlocking systems that created and sustain those issues are readily apparent. The solutions are also readily recognizable. However, it is very difficult to uncover the political and collective will to pursue those solutions.

Like others with my background and mission, I find myself attempting to exist in two conflicting worlds. One is the world occupied by people like Al Gore, the leaders of most environmental and progressive organizations, and many leaders in sustainable economic development. We know that if we all pull together we can become sustainable. Through a combination of new technologies and almost forgotten aboriginal practices, we can turn away from the fossil fuel based economy, reduce our negative impacts, raise the quality of life for many and have some hope for the future.

The other world is filled with dismay and resignation. As Paul Hawkin has said, "If you're not pessimistic about our future, you haven't seen the data." Well, I have seen the data, and continue to see more of it every day. But, we cannot give up, can we.

That's why I've posted a video from Richard Heinberg on our website. He wrote Power Down among others. It's a good discussion about where we are and where we need to go...or else.

As for Green Corporate Missions - a mission statement that properly defines economic progress as that which equitably improves the quality of life would be a good place to start.