2020 Vision

The Turnaround Year 

A new year will soon be upon us – a new beginning.  A time for reflection.  And possibly a time for action like no other time before in our history.

Many of us have been working for social change for a long time.  We have observed how difficult it is to change the trajectory that we seem to be on.  We make incremental alterations but essentially the dominant narrative seems to hold its vitality.  In the past few years, a new threat has presented itself - climate change.  And largely through this phenomenon we have introduced concepts into our lexicon like “extinction” for both individual species and for humankind as a whole.   Yet despite all the attempts at escalating the level of alarm, life mostly carries on as it did.  It appears that most of those concerned about the fallout from this situation would like to see a solution but only if it leaves their current lifestyle more or less intact.   We have known of this threat for forty years and have done nothing during this time to lessen its impact.

So, what is going on here?  Why do we seem incapable of changing our course even as the end of life as we know it is more and more clearly elucidated?  And is climate change an isolated event?  What role does social justice play in this scenario?  Should we come up with a solution to the climate crisis, does it mean business as usual afterwards?  What role do geo-politics have to play in this drama?  Is climate change mostly being addressed by the Global North?  What issues occupy the Global South?  Is it possible to find a solution to all of this without coming up with a truly global solution?  What is that solution?