Future of Sustainability 2020: Has the disruption from COVID-19 accelerated the transition to a sustainable future, or made it more challenging?

This Forum for the Future

Future of Sustainability 2020: Has the disruption from COVID-19 accelerated the transition to a sustainable future, or made it more challenging?

This Forum for the Future webinar took place on 22 July 2020. We are in the midst of a historic moment that will shape society for decades to come. The COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating impact – both in terms of lives lost and economic disruption. The region’s informal, cash-based economies are particularly vulnerable. At Forum for the Future we believe this may also be a moment to re-imagine how we rebuild our economies.

We are therefore calling for business, governments, civil society and communities to seize this moment in helping to deliver a more just, sustainable and resilient world. Drawing on research and insights we gather annually to understand what is next for the fields of sustainability, impact investing and philanthropy, we will share a suite of futures trajectories we have been developing which help us understand possible ways forward as change-makers. We believe only one of these trajectories, which we are calling 'Transform', has the potential to create the just, resilient and sustainable systems we need. It is based on a mindset that recognizes the interdependent nature of the challenges we face today. The session included reflections from inspiring change-makers who are already driving towards this 'Transform' trajectory – aiming to shift our political, economic and social systems so that they work together in service of human and planetary health, justice and economic resilience. If there is ever a time to drive this transformative change, it is now.

Beavers offer ancient, nature-based solutions to climate disruption, addressing challenges like droughts, floods, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. This episode of Bioneers' "Nature's Genius"

Beavers offer ancient, nature-based solutions to climate disruption, addressing challenges like droughts, floods, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. This episode of Bioneers' "Nature's Genius" podcast explores how these "rodent relatives" can heal nature by working with it.

Kate Lundquist and Brock Dolman of the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center share their journey as "Beaver Believers." They are part of a passionate global movement to restore beavers, demonstrating how these animals help balance human civilization with living systems.

Visit the series page to learn more about Nature’s Genius.

Beaver restoration offers ancient, nature-based solutions to climate disruption, addressing challenges like droughts, floods, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. These vital rodents heal

Beaver restoration offers ancient, nature-based solutions to climate disruption, addressing challenges like droughts, floods, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. These vital rodents heal ecosystems by working with nature.

In this episode, "Beaver Believers" Kate Lundquist and Brock Dolman of the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) share their journey. As co-directors of OAEC’s WATER Institute, they lead a global movement to reintroduce beavers, promoting healthy watersheds and climate resilience.

Learn more through resources like the Beaver Believer article and the WATER Institute’s Beaver in California reader. This episode is from the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series.

This program explores the critical shift from "me" to "we" to overcome divisions and foster a collective destiny where everyone belongs. It features a deep conversation between Angela Glover

This program explores the critical shift from "me" to "we" to overcome divisions and foster a collective destiny where everyone belongs. It features a deep conversation between Angela Glover Blackwell and john a. powell, leaders in building a multicultural democracy.

Angela Glover Blackwell is Founder-in-Residence at PolicyLink, advancing racial and economic equity. John a. powell directs the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley and co-founded the Poverty & Race Research Action Council. This episode is part of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series, with additional resources available.

Nature's Genius, a Bioneers podcast, explores how nature's wisdom offers solutions for human civilization and living systems. It posits an "Age of Nature," urging a radical shift in our

Nature's Genius, a Bioneers podcast, explores how nature's wisdom offers solutions for human civilization and living systems. It posits an "Age of Nature," urging a radical shift in our relationship with the natural world for healing ourselves and the planet.

The series blends Indigenous wisdom and modern science, revealing interconnectedness and time-tested principles from 3.8 billion years of evolution that allow living systems to flourish.

It features scientists, ecologists, Indigenous practitioners, and authors like Brett KenCairn (naturebasedclimate.solutions) and Toby Kiers (spun.earth). They explore nature's inherent intelligence to model sustainable human organization.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist and conservation biologist, co-hosts "Wild Kingdom" and shares her personal journey. She advocates for peaceful coexistence, reminding us that humans are

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist and conservation biologist, co-hosts "Wild Kingdom" and shares her personal journey. She advocates for peaceful coexistence, reminding us that humans are part of nature, and all life is interconnected.

She is the author of "Wild Life: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World" (https://zandoprojects.com/books/wildlife/) and creator of the "Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant" podcast. This content is part of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series. Learn more at the Bioneers radio and podcast homepage.

During the UN Climate Ambition Summit on September 20, WECAN hosted an event where women leaders called on governments to halt fossil fuel extraction. They urged investment in a Just Transition,

During the UN Climate Ambition Summit on September 20, WECAN hosted an event where women leaders called on governments to halt fossil fuel extraction. They urged investment in a Just Transition, grounded in climate justice, care economies, and Indigenous rights, rather than business as usual.

The event featured two panels. The first, "Women Ending the Era of Fossil Fuels," discussed transitioning away from extraction and policy advocacy. The second, "Women-led Climate Solutions Are Central to a Just Transition and Thriving Future," showcased successful community-led climate solutions.

Climate change poses significant, widespread disruptions to the American economy, threatening our health, safety, and prosperity. Immediate action from policymakers and businesses is vital to

Climate change poses significant, widespread disruptions to the American economy, threatening our health, safety, and prosperity. Immediate action from policymakers and businesses is vital to mitigate climate risk. This panel will highlight innovative public-private solutions, discussing how businesses, governments, and communities can collaborate for greater resilience.

Panelists include: Joel Beauvais (U.S. EPA), Pam O'Connor (City of Santa Monica), Harriet Tregoning (U.S. HUD), and Kate Dineen (NY Governor's Office of Storm Recovery).

At the CSW66 side event, "Building Systemic Change: Frontline Women-Led Solutions for Climate Justice," Indigenous, Black, Brown, and frontline women leaders addressed multiple interlocking

At the CSW66 side event, "Building Systemic Change: Frontline Women-Led Solutions for Climate Justice," Indigenous, Black, Brown, and frontline women leaders addressed multiple interlocking crises. They presented diverse climate justice strategies, including forest protection, Indigenous rights, food sovereignty, and community-led solutions.

Speakers featured Neema Namadamu, Monique Verdin, Jacqui Patterson, Melina Laboucan-Massimo, and Helena Gualinga. Their collective voices, analysis, and leadership are critical for building a resilient and just future. Event resources are available here.

Global women and feminist leaders are calling for urgent climate justice and action for future generations. WECAN marks International Women's Day by releasing a video showcasing women and

Global women and feminist leaders are calling for urgent climate justice and action for future generations. WECAN marks International Women's Day by releasing a video showcasing women and gender-diverse leaders' solutions.

Amidst escalating climate crisis and social inequities, these leaders demand bold systems change and transformational leadership. They champion solutions for food sovereignty, Indigenous rights, and a Just Transition, challenging governments and corporations to end extractive practices and declare a climate emergency. Their fight for Mother Earth is unwavering.