The curiosity
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panels
Panel 1 - Curious About a Sustainable Future Panel Summary
Hosted by Garrick Jones (LSE Fellow & Co-Founder, Ludic), this panel featured Jamais Cascio, Marianna Marchesi, and Jonathon Porritt where they discussed the pressing need for sustainable practices, policies, and education to ensure a thriving future for humanity. The conversation explored key challenges, from political inertia and systemic flaws to technological and economic opportunities. The panelists shared their unique perspectives on the importance of transitioning from extractive systems to regenerative ones, focusing on collective responsibility and actionable change.
Key Topics Discussed
1. Binary Futures and the Role of Choice
Jamais Cascio introduced the idea of humanity facing a "binary future," where we must choose between sustainability and resilience or a path of misery and desperation. While the tools and technologies for addressing climate challenges exist, Cascio emphasized that the real barrier lies in the absence of political will and collective action. He cautioned against apocalyptic thinking but underscored the potential consequences of inaction.
2. Circular Economy and Restorative Systems
Marianna Marchesi highlighted the principles of the circular economy, which aims to eliminate waste and promote the continual use of resources. She emphasized the importance of moving from systems that minimize harm to those that actively restore and regenerate environmental and social systems. Marchesi also stressed the critical role of interdisciplinary education in fostering awareness and actionable solutions.
3. Sustainability vs. Sustainable Development
Jonathon Porritt clarified the distinction between sustainability—ensuring the long-term viability of human life on Earth—and sustainable development, which involves creating economic and political systems that support this goal. He criticized the global obsession with economic growth and called for a reexamination of the assumptions underlying current economic and market systems.
4. Barriers to Sustainable Change
The panelists collectively identified political inertia, vested interests, and systemic corruption as significant obstacles to progress. Porritt and Cascio emphasized that while technological solutions exist, policy reform and leadership are essential to implement them effectively.
5. The Role of Technology
The panelists explored the potential of technologies like AI and blockchain to support sustainability efforts. Cascio warned against relying on "silver bullet" technologies, arguing that these tools are secondary to systemic changes in policy and leadership.
6. Education as a Catalyst for Action
Marchesi advocated for innovative, experiential education methods that engage individuals in understanding complex sustainability topics. She emphasized the importance of collaboration across disciplines, cultures, and governance levels to inspire action and drive collective responsibility.
