tragedy of the commons<\/a>\u201d, a dynamic that leads to a destructive tension between individual and collective interests.<\/p>\nFrom this \u201ctragedy of the commons\u201d perspective, climate or sustainability action is noble and may be existential for humanity, but not necessary for oneself<\/strong>. The belief that climate action is merely a noble gift to humanity instills little confidence that this will be enough to turn the trends. People feel powerless. They see a big humanity on a big planet that needs to be rescued, but their individual contribution seems as insignificant as a single drop in the ocean.<\/p>\nThe benefits of action<\/strong><\/p>\nHowever, at Global Footprint Network, we believe the overemphasized \u201ctragedy of the commons\u201d narrative is unhelpful. Those who act to advance sustainability often reap unrealized and accruing benefits that make it worthwhile for them to continue their sustainability efforts. For example, once we realize that the future will have to become far more resource efficient and inevitably fossil fuel free, it becomes a clear value proposition to invest in our own cities by:<\/p>\n
\n- Investing in efficient heating and cooling systems for residents,<\/li>\n
- Implementing fossil-fuel free transportation systems (with extra emphasis on people-powered options like walking and biking), and<\/li>\n
- Creating livable neighborhoods that make local living practical and pleasant, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These investments all increase the resilience of the city, preserve the city\u2019s wealth, and, as a by-product, also reduce pressure on the biosphere.<\/p>\n
The most dangerous approach for any sustainability actor is inaction and delay because it puts themselves directly at risk. The reason is simple: if you are not preparing for the predictable future, you and your assets will not be ready for that condition. To not prepare and adjust is economic self-sabotage.<\/p>\n
Exploring our communications<\/strong><\/p>\nIn order to encourage a shift in the narrative where sustainability and climate action is seen as necessary for oneself, I have found it invaluable to approach communications with three key tenets in mind:<\/p>\n