So, what can be done about sustainability? As we've seen, sustainability involves complex systems, and governments often make unhelpful choices. Yet, we've also seen the power values have in motivating actions! Governments (both national and international) generally respond to what the public values. Through public awareness campaigns carried out through interpersonal and NGO networks, we can collectively shift our values to care about reducing inequality, to prize resilience, and to focus on wellness over growth. The key is getting others to buy into these values by creatively targeting their hearts and minds. Clever campaigns that use social media and other social incentives will start a chain of important changes. It's up to us to start that Global Citizens Movement.
I explore one clear case of successful local action in Vancouver that might serve as a model for the good that can come from an engaged citizenry creating local initiatives. Check it out!
(Clapp and Dauvergne 2011), (Dauvergne 2010), (Heath and Heath 2010), (Raskin 2008), (Salt and Walker 2006).