⛺Tent 2: Root causes of unsustainability
Design flaws in human design
Last updated
Design flaws in human design
Last updated
In tent 1 we learned how we as humans are taking part in a bigger system. Zooming in a bit closer into “HOW” we live, learn and lead together, we see that this ‘how’ is actually a question of design. Ever since, people have been coming together to create social contexts that address their basic needs - from the economy to education or the health system. In tent 2 we will explore some examples of the structures we designed in the past, and start discovering alternatives that challenge the status quo and its unsustainable impact.
Here we go, know - act - reflect cycle number 2! This is what you will learn:
After working through this tent..
you have a better sense of how unsustainability is directly linked to how we as human beings live together: a design challenge!
you have explored at least 2 societal systems and emerging alternatives for a sustainable future.
you start sensing what role oikos can take in redesigning our systems
Just move along the different content elements in your own time and share with the community through the discord channel.
What are the root causes of unsustainability? Straight forward: it is all about the way we as humans live together on this planet. We live in the Anthropocene, which means that we as human beings for the first time in planetary history and as the first species on our planet actively have impacted the way our planetary system is functioning, through our way of 'operating' our societies and on the cost of many other forms of life on the planet.
Now, if it has been coming that far through HOW we live together, why can't we redesign the systems at the core of this unsustainable pathway? Let's dive into two systems that shape all of our lives and understand some of the flaws & opportunities: The global economy & the education system.
Good news: many people are working on alternative theories and realities. Doughnut economics is one of them. Learn a little more about what is possible & get excited to dive deeper:
Let's dive a little bit deeper into how our economic system functions, and have a look at Finance in particular. What is the role and power of the financial sector when it comes to sustainability? How is it linked to inequality? How can finance be a force of good? Don't miss out on these reads!
One thing is clear: Economy/economics itself can not help our societies to thrive as a part of the community of life on earth. What are other societal structures that allow us to fullfill our human needs on a local, regional, global scale?
In many western countries, education is something taken for granted. This doesn't hold true for the whole planet, and in particular not when it comes to questions of what and how we learn. Are we leaving our schools and universities equipped for an uncertain future? What do we learn, and does it serve us on the road towards sustainability? Let's challenge our assumptions on..
Ready for some action & reflection?
Volunteer for an organization that helps your society to evolve. Get out there to support teaching minorities, cook for homeless people, or find out what else is needed in your town! What's coming up for you when supporting your local environment? (+-3h)
BONUS: Go to your local townhall with curiosity and ask about how they integrate sustainability, or, if you are from the global south, connect to a climate scientist from your area and try to get a better grasp on the local history and challenges with the climate crisis
In the know part, you mapped out what systems you're a part of. How are they designed? Reflect on how you are part of the problem and the solution? (+-15 min)
Where do you see design flaws in your education & the wider education system? What would you like to change if there were no restrictions? What do you believe are the biggest challenges to achieving these transformations at your university? Jump on Discord and share with your peers! (+-15 min)
You might have learned about the economy as an end in itself. That's, plainly said, wrong. The economy is there to give us structures for tending to our (human needs) & better living together. For a long time, we have ignored the fact that we are living on a planet with limited resources and that a minority of human beings are not only living on the back of other species but the majority of people as well. In other words: economics rule the world, pity that the theories are out of date just a century or two.. (0:50)
The Story of Stuff (21:16) will give you a wider frame of how this is actually linked to our everyday consumption.
Take a read through the 7 ways of thinking like a 21st-century economist through the Doughnut (6min) and/or... watch them here Doughnut Economics - Video 1-8 (+- 12 min)
Finance and Our Living Planet Ch.2 (3:00 min)
The Co-Evolving Nature of Inequality Ch.3 (3:00 min)
Indicators for People and Planet Ch. 4 (4:00 min)
The Power of Giants Ch. 5 (5:00 min)
Listen to this conversation (4 min) and draw out a map of all the societal structures & systems we are a part of. Share with your peers on discord under #tent2!
the Education System (19 min) itself,
How we learn & the grading system (14 min),
Act as a creator of your own little economy and bake a cake or make some doughnuts (no joke ). Which ingredients did you use to make the cake? Where do they come from? Share with a friend! (+-30 min)