The Future of Sustainability 2021 As humanity and the planet reach a critical inflection point, Forum for the Future’s latest Future of Sustainability thinking reflects on what the past can teach us about what is needed now if we are to shape a more just and regenerative future. This unique opinion and commentary series: explores lessons learned from the last 25 years in the sustainability movement; where have we succeeded in creating real change and where have we failed? And what does that tell us about how we need to do things differently? synthesizes exclusive insights from diverse voices across the sustainability movement to examine how the world is responding to today’s multifaceted challenges and opportunities, and what pivots might be needed considers what this all means going forward. How can we drive greater change at pace and scale? And how can we encourage the adoption of new mindsets and approaches critical to creating what’s really needed: a truly just and regenerative future? From November 22 through to mid-April 2022, we published a series of new insights on an ongoing basis. As 2021 came to a close, Parts One and Two of the series helped us scene-set and look back. At the start of 2022, Part Three explored today’s response, and Part Four distilled everything we’ve heard into key takeaways and an overview of what’s next. Join us on what has been a fascinating journey taking stock of where we’ve been, and where we’re going…. Scene setting Looking back Today's response Going forward Scene setting As global crises escalate, we arrive at a pivotal moment for the sustainability movement. The time is ripe for transformation. And in order to fully realize it we need to look back with humility, to learn from the past and fully acknowledge this harsh truth: While significant progress has been made, more than three decades of ‘sustainability’ have not got us to where we need to be. These scene-setters reflect on why now is the time to transform, and why it’s as important to understand where we’ve come from as where we’re going. Dr. Sally Uren and Jane Lawton on why more than three decades of sustainability haven't got us where we need to be and what needs to happen now Alisha Bhagat unpacks what history can teach us about the future, in conversation with Dr. Nandini Pandey and Nour Batyne Looking back:lessons learned from25 years in sustainability Diverse voices share their personal stories and reflections on the biggest shifts in sustainability over the last 25 years; where we have succeeded and fallen short; unique lessons learned along the way, and what they feel is coming next Featuring reflections from Jonathon Porritt, Johan Rockstrom, Archana Soreng, Aaron Maniam, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Stephanie Lamma Ewi, and John Elkington. The changing role of business and governments, and the powerhouse that is youth: Reflections from Jonathon Porritt Irreversible tipping points, winning narratives and whether transformation will be too late: Reflections from Johan Rockström Differing worldviews, indigenous people and the front lines of climate action: Reflections from Archana Soreng Policy, game-changers and how change happens: Reflections from Aaron Maniam Empowering women and inspiring youth: Reflections from Stephanie Lamma Ewi Intensive globalisation, recalling the triple bottom line and changing capitalism: Reflections from John Elkington Momentum, collaboration and connecting with the human story: reflections from 3M, Bupa, GSK Consumer Healthcare and Target Global collaboration, ticking clocks and food as the great unlock: Reflections from Dr Agnes Kalibata Round up: What we've heard so far Today’s response What are the biggest questions proliferating across the sustainability movement right now? How is the world responding to today’s multifaceted challenges and opportunities? Where are we falling short-and, as our crises continue to escalate, how can we reset our ambition? Insights from the ‘next edge’ of sustainability From laggard to system changer: can the finance sector step up as an agent of change in sustainability? Philanthropy 2050: Catalysing a just and regenerative future Deep transformation or shallow transition? How can we leverage the disruptions of the decade to deliver the change needed? Rising to meet new tides of change – by building our systems change practice With a narrow window for innovation, will our food systems transform or unravel? Demystifying the ‘just transition’: how can we ensure no one is left behind in a rapidly changing world? There is an alternative: how emerging ideas are challenging core economic assumptions Going forward:inspired by the past,exploring the future A distillation of all we’ve heard to present key takeaways for the sustainability movement and present glimpses of what’s coming… Transformation, collaboration and the power of youth: reflections from 3M, Bupa, GSK Consumer Healthcare, SC Johnson and Target The future of sustainability: ‘the same, only faster’ or deep transformation that challenges the fundamentals of our systems? Looking Back to Go Forward – Stepping Over False Choices and Dreaming Big With thanks to our contributors and partners Manage Cookie Preferences