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.

The "Adventures of Donny Rico" series exposes Chevron's controversial tactics in the Amazon, highlighting alleged environmental destruction and its RICO action against Ecuadorian plaintiffs. Watch

The "Adventures of Donny Rico" series exposes Chevron's controversial tactics in the Amazon, highlighting alleged environmental destruction and its RICO action against Ecuadorian plaintiffs. Watch the full series here.

Chevron's case relies on Alberto Guerra, a disgraced former judge paid substantially for his claim that plaintiffs bribed a trial judge. Despite Guerra's admitted corruption, removal from the bench, and lack of evidence, his testimony was credited. This raises serious concerns about Chevron's efforts to undermine justice. Read more on the Eye On the Amazon.

These actions threaten civil society's ability to hold corporations accountable. Groups urge investigation. Learn more and take action at chevrontoxico.com.

In an increasingly urbanized and digitized world, many people are disconnected from nature and lack a deep understanding of climate change's profound impacts, despite early warnings from melting

In an increasingly urbanized and digitized world, many people are disconnected from nature and lack a deep understanding of climate change's profound impacts, despite early warnings from melting glaciers. This growing disconnect highlights an urgent need for action.

Young activists are taking charge of their climate future. High school student Isha Clarke gained fame confronting Senator Dianne Feinstein, advocating for truth to power and criticizing politicians' inaction. Similarly, 14-year-old Sarah Goody organized a climate strike, questioning the value of studying for a future that may not exist. These young voices, alongside others joining organized movements, are fighting urgently for their future.

Learn more at climateone.org.

The younger generation, dubbed 'GenClimate,' is spearheading the climate change agenda. With the most to lose or gain, they are driving media and public attention towards achieving carbon

The younger generation, dubbed 'GenClimate,' is spearheading the climate change agenda. With the most to lose or gain, they are driving media and public attention towards achieving carbon neutrality.

Angus Mackay, Director of UNITAR’s Division for Planet, leads efforts to align environmental activities with Agenda 2030. UNITAR focuses on skills development and assessments, helping countries address critical environmental challenges—including climate change, waste management, and biodiversity—for sustainable development.

This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at TEDx.

In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, hosts Horace Mo and Erica Valdez bring diverse voices to discuss current efforts to address climate change. Horace interviews author Ann E Burg about her

In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, hosts Horace Mo and Erica Valdez bring diverse voices to discuss current efforts to address climate change. Horace interviews author Ann E Burg about her new novel, "Force of Nature—A Novel of Rachel Carson." Erica speaks with student Aly Horton about the American fossil fuel divestment movement. The episode also features Tamara Staton on banjo and climate resilience, and Peterson Toscano with good news on South Africa's energy supply.

For full show notes, including guest links and a transcript, visit www.cclusa.org/radio.

Mohammed's talk emphasizes the urgent need to reframe environmental education. He advocates for curriculum changes, incorporating topics like lake studies and hazardous substances, and encouraging

Mohammed's talk emphasizes the urgent need to reframe environmental education. He advocates for curriculum changes, incorporating topics like lake studies and hazardous substances, and encouraging reflection on future environmental roles. He stresses that we can no longer afford past resource consumption and carbon footprints.

A lifelong teacher, administrator, and enthusiast of molecular and conservation biology, Mohammed developed a love for nature early in Eastern India. Now at UWC Changshu China, he enhances his knowledge in educational leadership and biology. He is passionate about sharing his insights on environmental education's effectiveness and importance with younger generations. This talk was delivered at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Guillaume de Morsier, a Swiss architect and urban designer at Kunik de Morsier, develops a radical approach to ecological urban transformation, blending secular traditions with innovative future

Guillaume de Morsier, a Swiss architect and urban designer at Kunik de Morsier, develops a radical approach to ecological urban transformation, blending secular traditions with innovative future ideas.

His intervention was the fourth part of "The Architecture of Transition" conference, which explored how our built environment shapes sustainable futures. Imagination, precision, and agency are vital traits for creative design in this context.

Find other interventions [here](https://www.youtube.com/user/TEDxTalks/search?query=braillard). This talk was given at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more about TEDx [here](https://www.ted.com/tedx).