Repairing the relationship between people and nature is the key ingredient for sustainable development. This is so for the following reason:
Fundamental Shift in Mindset. Fundamentally, repairing our relationship with nature involves a big change in how we see and interact with our environment. This shift is crucial for driving all other aspects of sustainability transitions. Many environmental and social problems we face today are caused by a separation from nature.
By addressing this issue, we can solve the fundamental cause of unsustainable practices in many sectors. This view encourages a more comprehensive approach to sustainability. This means looking at and tackling the whole problem, rather than just one part of it.
A long-term perspective a view of the future that looks ahead for many years - is essential for making truly sustainable decisions. A focus on our relationship with nature good for making distance decisions and avoiding short-term fixes. A better relationship with nature can spur changes in education, technology development and economic models. It encourages new solutions and get people to live more sustainably.
We need to change our behavior and culture if we want to make progress on sustainability. Changing people’s values and behavior is key for making progress on sustainability yet usually ignored!
When we talk about repairing our relationship with nature, we also need to focus on environmental justice issues and inequalities to ensure a just transition.
While everything migration education technology circular economy all play key part but repair of our relationship with nature is the foundational shift needed to drive the meaningful and lasting change, we seek in every sector of society.