Be a better ancestor
Five ways to be good to future generations, Positive News, June 18, 2021
From backing future-focused political projects, to re-framing what people are capable of, here are five ways to act now to benefit those yet to be born.
Vote for your great-grandchildren
Now is an age of “frenetic short-termism” writes author and philosopher Roman Krznaric in his book The Good Ancestor. One way to help is to support political projects that look further ahead. So-called ‘guardians of the future’ – like the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales – have a focus on long-term public policy.
Back justice for all generations
Increasingly, cases are being fought on behalf of tomorrow’s citizens. The organisation Our Children’s Trust has filed a case against the US government on behalf of 21 young people for the legal right to a safe climate for current and future generations.
Play the role of someone from the future
Japan’s Future Design movement draws on the ‘seventh-generation’ decision-making practised by many indigenous groups. It sees citizens gather to discuss plans for the future.
Support businesses that care about the long term
The renewable energy company Good Energy has invited 12 to 17-year-olds to join its Good Future Board. Those selected have been asked for their input on creating a sustainable future – including telling adults where they are going wrong.
Re-frame what people are capable of doing
Research shows that humans are not just short-term thinkers (Krznaric’s term is ‘marshmallow-snatchers’). We can be long-term ‘acorn-planters’ too, when we switch on the long-term part of our brains in our frontal lobe. Fire yours up: imagine a child you care about on their 90th birthday party, holding a tiny great-grandchild of their own. The baby could be alive well into the 22nd century. What do they need you to do in order to thrive?
Words by Positive News, The magazine to uplift your life; stop doomscrolling, start solution-seeking. By reporting on what’s going right, Positive News magazine shows you the world from a fresh angle.
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What ‘cene’ are we in?
“Anthropocene” — why the fight about a name has real world consequences
The idea that we now live in a geological age shaped by human activity is a controversial topic. It irritates those who reject the whole notion of adverse climate change — and it’s also now causing a fight among geologists themselves. So, what’s behind the scientific contention? Antony Fennell, Future Tense, ABC RN, 16 August, 2024, speaks with Dr Erle Ellis – Professor of Geography and Environment-al Sciences, University of Maryland, and Dr Francine McCarthy – Professor of Earth Studies, Brock University, Canada.
… From MMM Issue #46 Oct-Nov 2024
