Therefore we're not done yet - just like 350.org states:
"The UN climate talks are over and we don't have the fair, ambitious, and binding treaty this global movement--and the latest science--demands. But this is not over--world leaders are NOT DONE YET. And neither are we."
350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science and justice demand. The mission is to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis—to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet.
The focus is on the number 350--as in parts per million, the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. But 350 is more than a number--it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet.
Read more on 350: 350.org
Developing new strategies is not a fanciful vision, it's a necessity. Not only in terms of environmentalism, but also in terms of humanity AND economy.
The actual Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) report states, that the costs of sustaining biodiversity & ecosystem services are lower than costs of allowing them to dwindle.
Link: teebweb.org
Practical examples of how to do it differently exist - here are two precursory models:
There is an Austrian urban commune called Guessing. They compare themselves to a famous Gallic community:
No wonder - they were called idiots by many experts when they aimed at being self-sufficient. Nowadays they are, producing more energy than the commune needs, plus providing more jobs for their residents.
Link (in German): gussing.at
One day I watched a documentary on TV concerning Samsø, a Danish island.
What I remember most is that a vigilant person was behind all this, talking to people, elating them ... keeping things going.It's about the "TRIZ Contradiction" again ... we need down-to-earth visionaries. People who do have a vision, but are also able to put vision into action.
Samsø – Denmark's renewable energy island In 1998, Samsø was awarded the title "Denmark's Renewable Energy Island" and since then, the population on the green island situated between Zealand and Jutland has become self-sufficient in renewable power and even exports surplus electricity from wind turbines. Furthermore, the islanders have succeeded in reducing their emission of CO2 considerably, at a time when the emission of greenhouse gases in general is on the rise in Denmark.
Link: visitdenmark.dk
All this is not about human beings being bad. It's not about crucifying ourselves. We don't have to condemn technology, we've got to use it intelligently and vigilantly.
It's about making eco-effectiveness - a term formed by Michael Braungart & William McDonough describing the Cradle 2 Cradle approach - profitable for companies and convenient for consumers.
We've got the scientific and entrepreneurial knowledge. We've got the means.
It's a matter of volition.
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