the need for change
towards a sustainable future
“Socialism collapsed because it did not allow the market to tell the economic truth. Capitalism may collapse because it does not allow the market to tell the ecological truth”
Oystein Dahle
former Esso Vice President
for Norway and the North Sea observed
As Westerners, we are speeding along life’s superficial pathways, numbed by relentless advertising and reluctant to confront global issues because it would challenge our comfortable existence.
Yet, true life is not in empty words or mindless entertainment but in action. Engaging in collective environmental restoration projects can rejuvenate both the planet and our sense of purpose, making us part of something enduring and generational. The rise of the Industrial Age brought Western society unprecedented ease, mobility, communication, and abundance, fostering an illusion of mastery over nature. This success, heavily promoted by global media, has set a benchmark that other countries strive to emulate, often unsustainably. However, the West’s lifestyle is no longer tenable even for itself.
Our current living model, driven by consumption and unsustainable practices, is fundamentally flawed. The ecological footprint of high-income countries is starkly disproportionate to their biocapacity, leading to pollution and resource depletion. It is not just about consumption habits but about reforming laws, tax systems, financial rules, education, and agricultural practices. If we do not change course, our civilisation is on a path to collapse. Yet, since the 1970s, many international organisations, universities, research centres, and communities have been actively working on these issues, demonstrating a proactive approach to creating a sustainable future.
Frederic Coustols
Founder & Mentor of DaST Foundation
current challenges
“Social apathy, characterized by a disengagement or indifference towards environmental issues, poses a significant obstacle to progress. It perpetuates a cycle of inaction, hindering efforts to address the pressing ecological crises we face”
In our current landscape, we face pressing challenges that demand our immediate attention, spanning from societal apathy towards environmental concerns to the stark reality of our ecological footprint exceeding the planet’s capacity to sustain us. Social apathy, characterised by disengagement or indifference towards environmental issues, poses a significant obstacle to progress, perpetuating a cycle of inaction that hinders efforts to address the pressing ecological crises we face. The Living Planet Report 2022 reveals that humanity’s consumption and activities have pushed the Earth beyond its limits, surpassing its biocapacity by a staggering 75%. This overuse of resources not only threatens the delicate balance of ecosystems but also jeopardises the well-being of future generations.
The need for action is clear. We cannot afford to remain complacent in the face of such daunting realities. It is incumbent upon us to acknowledge the urgency of the situation and take meaningful steps towards sustainable change. By confronting societal apathy, advocating for environmental stewardship, and embracing sustainable practices, we can pave the way for a more resilient and thriving planet. The concept of the global ecological footprint encapsulates the profound challenge of living unsustainably in the contemporary world, highlighting the stark imbalance of consumption that characterises our societies. Recognising the unsustainable nature of our current ways of living compels us to seek alternative paths towards a more balanced and harmonious relationship with the planet. The time for action is now.
context and growth
“Let’s start telling the truth: competitiveness is a meaningless word when applied to national economies. And the obsession with competitiveness is both wrong and dangerous”
Paul Krugman
In the grand narrative of human history, economic progress has often been synonymous with exponential growth and technological advancement. However, as we approach a new era, the flaws in this growth-centric paradigm are becoming increasingly evident, casting shadows over planetary health and social cohesion. The relentless focus on competitiveness, as Nobel laureate economist Paul Krugman noted, has proven both misguided and perilous, particularly as the Western welfare state becomes unsustainable. Historical trade practices and the ease of information dissemination have deepened global interconnectedness but also fostered dependency that has undermined traditional cultures and biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for a more balanced approach.
To address these challenges, implementing a tax system that accurately reflects the environmental impact of imported goods is crucial. Such measures can incentivize cleaner production methods and promote sustainable practices. As Jose J. Delgado Domingos observed, sustainable development must be approached from a global and integrated perspective to avoid the pitfalls of excessive specialization. Additionally, rethinking the role of patents and financial markets—by incorporating environmental costs and shifting essential resources to communal ownership—can foster a more equitable and sustainable economic system. Embracing a post-growth economy focused on sustainability and equity, rather than unending expansion, is essential for creating a resilient and harmonious future. By reimagining our economic structures with these principles in mind, we can better address pressing environmental and social challenges and pave the way for a more just and sustainable world.
need for change
“Just as a captain refusing to alter course risks catastrophe, so too do we, by ignoring the need for systemic change”
The imperative for change is undeniable, necessitating a fundamental course correction in our collective trajectory. It’s paramount to recognize the urgency of action, akin to a sea captain acknowledging the impending disaster and steering the ship away from perilous waters.
This entails delving into the systemic issues underpinning ecological imbalance, which encompass economic, social, and regulatory dimensions. Just as a captain refusing to alter course risks catastrophe, so too do we, by ignoring the need for systemic change. Highlighting these systemic issues and the peril of refusing to change course underscores the critical importance of embracing transformative action for a sustainable future.
Life is not found in empty words, or time blurred in the pursuit of mindless entertainment, but in action. Through collective projects of environmental restoration, one’s self can also be restored, as one becomes vital, as part of something more, as part of something generational, and not consumptive.
Donne said, “no man is an island”. Well, neither is an island an island. Whether you are concerned about agriculture, water and energy or not, they do concern you! We must start to see our actions, not as isolated incidents but as serving part of the whole.
agenda 21 & global efforts
“Through international initiatives and diverse sustainable development projects worldwide, the significance of local action within a global context is underscored. These efforts showcase the principles of sustainable development and highlight the power of grassroots initiatives in driving positive change”
Amidst pressing global challenges, collaborative frameworks like Agenda 21 and initiatives led by organizations such as the American Council for Sustainability and its Portuguese counterpart play a crucial role in advancing sustainability.
Landmark urban development projects, including Davis, BedZed, Masdar City, and Hammarby-Sjostad, demonstrate the transformative potential of sustainable design in addressing the significant impacts of urbanization. With over 50% of the world’s population now residing in cities—a figure projected to exceed 70% within two decades—urban areas are pivotal in shaping energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Buildings alone account for 48% of global energy use, and urban transportation adds another 27%, underscoring the need for sustainable urban planning.
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) highlights the urgency of addressing these urban sustainability challenges, as most energy consumption and CO2 emissions stem from urban lifestyles. Agenda 21, formulated at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development, provides a comprehensive blueprint for integrating sustainability into various sectors by fostering participatory decision-making and stakeholder involvement. Building on this, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, further emphasize the need for collaborative action across all levels to tackle interconnected social, economic, and environmental issues. These frameworks underscore the critical role of both global initiatives and local actions in driving progress toward a sustainable future.
DaST framework
“In the quest for sustainable solutions, we must transcend conventional paradigms and embrace holistic approaches”
The DaST framework embodies this ethos, rooted in over three decades of dedicated efforts to restore and enhance the connections between landscapes, built environments, cultural heritage, and social habits.
Our journey began with the rejuvenation of overlooked communities worldwide, from a 12th-century village in France to a historic district in Lisbon. Witnessing the neglect of cultural capital and misuse of natural resources, we embarked on a mission of research, restoration, and community engagement. Through this work, we recognize the intrinsic value of these spaces and their potential to shape a sustainable future.
At DaST, sustainability extends beyond technological advancements to encompass a multidisciplinary approach. By bringing together fields like ecology, architecture, and economics, we aim to design holistic systems that harmonize with nature.
Our inclusive approach has fostered collaboration across disciplines and cultural backgrounds, catalyzing transformative change. DaST has evolved into a community of diverse experts who share a vision of sustainable development.
We view sustainability not as a new concept, but as a return to the inherent wisdom of nature. By honoring nature’s principles, we seek to guide processes and systems back to their natural state, fostering balance and resilience.
DaST challenges the prevailing economic growth model, advocating for a paradigm shift towards holistic prosperity. We emphasize the importance of well-being and sustainability metrics over traditional economic indicators like GDP.
Furthermore, we advocate for increased civic engagement and accountability in governance to address societal and environmental challenges. Our foundation seeks to empower individuals and communities to advocate for change, fostering a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future.
In our pursuit of sustainability, we recognize the inadequacies of current accounting practices in valuing cultural and natural capital. DaST advocates for a paradigm shift towards total integration and reassessment, elevating the importance of preserving these assets for future generations.
Embracing the concept of a post-growth economy, we reject the notion that perpetual economic growth equates to progress. Instead, we strive for sustainable living that respects biological and cultural diversity.
Collective action and systemic change are imperative on our journey towards sustainability. DaST is committed to catalyzing this change, fostering environments where cultural and natural capital are safeguarded, celebrated, and integrated into society.
