The human perspective
People who deny that sustainability is a people-centered issue are often those who don’t want to take responsibility for their actions. The entire crisis of sustainability - its causes and its ongoing perpetuation - has been driven and accepted by people. And the truth is, many of these problems are entirely solvable.
When we treat sustainability as a purely mechanical issue, we avoid accountability. It allows humanity to ignore its own role in the crisis. This applies not only to industry leaders e.g. the petrochemical executives who perjured themselves before the U.S. Congress and funded misleading scientific reports, but also to those who stand by and allow them to continue.
By blaming inanimate objects such as coal, internal combustion engines, or industrial systems, rather than the people who created and sustain these systems, we absolve ourselves of responsibility. The idea that people can’t be the solution simply because they caused the problem is an excuse; it’s a way to avoid facing the hard consequences of our actions.
The real solution to sustainability is fundamental sustainability - a solution which prioritizes people. It means nurturing individuals, ensuring they have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. The current system denies people these basic necessities, but real change requires us to rebuild a world that uplifts and empowers.
Right now, we stand at a turning point, trapped by a flawed perception – an illusion that contradicts reality. The way forward requires us to break free from this illusion and reconnect with the fundamental truths of life and the universe.
These truths are simple: life flourishes when it is supported. Taking care of our well-being is not just about being okay - it’s about thriving, about reaching our fullest potential.
When people are at their best - when they are full of life - they embrace an interconnected world. They recognize the value of diversity, the beauty of differences, and the undeniable fact that we all need one another to survive.
That is why the first step toward fundamental sustainability, and essentially the first step toward fixing what is broken in our world, is Willpower.