Abstract
With such phenomena as the climate crisis and its planetary impacts, the loss of biodiversity and the extinction crisis, desertification, deforestation, persistent toxicity of oceans and freshwater systems, soil erosion, etc. and the 21st century has placed a renewed emphasis on the problem of sustainability on a finite planet. Given our cultural dependence—our addiction—to economic growth (GDP growth) and global population growth (85 million people added to the planet annually)—humankind is confronted by the continuous draw down of resources to sustain life systems and the continuous filling up of the planet‘s waste sinks. These phenomena, combined with the demonstrable needs and the demands for development in sectors of the planet, have underscored the requirement to rethink the values, beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors that undermine global sustainability. This in short means humankind must rethink cultural attitudes, values, and perspectives that shape how humans conceive of the Earth. Infinite economic growth, infinite population growth to which humankind has been wedded since the beginning of time simply must be altered if we are ever to avoid environmental collapse and the innumerable societal conflicts which emerge. the humanities inherently must play a central role in redefining “prosperity” and “wealth” Educational and media attention must focus on the need for and the difficulties of achieving and implementing such cultural change. Curricula, research and outreach programs at all levels in the humanities must emphasize the need for and the difficulties of achieving such cultural change.
Presenters
Arthur B. SacksProfessional Emeritus, Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Sustainability, Growth on a Finite Planet, Cultural Change, Redefining Prosperity
