Solutionsism. That’s the name given to the belief that major technological breakthroughs will save us from the climate crisis and other problems. So we could simply wait until technologies are advanced enough to extractCO2 from the atmosphere on a large scale and store it underground.
One thing is clear, though: for many problems, such as species extinction, there is definitely no quick technological fix. So what solutions do we have?
The simplest idea for saving the planet comes from the American biologist E.O. Wilson: we permanently place half of the Earth under protection. The Half Earth idea is less utopian than it sounds. That is why it is even being discussed in the highest echelons of the United Nations. If half the Earth were protected, many threats to biodiversity, indigenous populations, and problems related to the climate crisis would be swept away in one fell swoop.
The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, is currently in the midst of turning its economy upside down. The city is following the “Economic Compass for the 21st Century”—another name for Kate Raworth’s “Doughnut Economy.”
What is the aim of this concept? To foster a completely new way of thinking about the economy—one that is based on closed-loop systems and aligned with human needs. The goal is to prevent the continued exploitation of resources, which leads to full-blown social crises. In short: it aims to transform the consequences of the current global mismanagement.
Worldwide, one in four people is overweight, and one in ten is undernourished. Two-thirds of the world’s agricultural land is used to grow animal feed. The Planetary Health Diet aims to address these devastating imbalances; it is both significantly healthier for us and better for the planet. This new dietary approach from scientists—who are actually great cooks (→ see the accompanying cookbook)—is based on plenty of plant-based, mostly organic foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and oils, along with significantly fewer animal products. Thanks to clever recipe suggestions and meals that provide enough calories, enjoyment is guaranteed, and you won’t feel like you’re on a “diet.”
If we take the concept of “sharing” to its logical conclusion, a vast amount of resources would be spared from being used or consumed in the first place. Rare earth elements included.
Most of our belongings are used (far) too rarely. Drills gather dust in the basement, and private cars sit idle 95 percent of the time—it hardly gets any less efficient than that.
Sharing is the new trend. Sharing platforms for cars, bicycles, scooters, and more are booming, especially in cities. In Berlin, Vienna, Bern, and other cities, there are lending shops (“LeiLa”): at this “library of things,” you can borrow (almost) anything your heart desires—even if only for a short time—such as tools, outdoor gear, musical instruments, party supplies, and more.
The Swiss initiative "2000 Watt Society" aims to make energy consumption more tangible. According to ETH Zurich, 2,000 watts is the amount of energy each person can consume per year—no matter where in the world they live.
This is exactly the amount that would need to be covered by renewable energy sources and our limited resources (remember: there is no planet B). What does that mean in practice? We need to become much more efficient. We should consume only one-third of what we do today.
How does that work? We generate (100 percent renewable) energy where it’s needed, distribute it efficiently, and store it when necessary.
Let’s say goodbye to fossil fuels once and for all and rigorously avoid waste of any kind—whether it’s standby power, empty-mileage driving, or food waste. Because energy—it’s everything!
Private transportation and the desire to travel pose real challenges. Getting from A to B will continue to require resources and energy in the future. While a variety of ideas—some more outlandish than others—are circulating (e.g., Elon Musk’s tube system with passenger capsules, cargo drones, Volocopters, etc.), it is questionable whether they are suitable for mass adoption.
For short distances, at any rate, a form of re-innovation is obvious: the rediscovery of muscle power, whether on foot or by bike. Some EU projects are already promoting this with slogans like“A toned butt for everyone.” Large cities are appointing not only cycling but also pedestrian officers (e.g., Vienna). In Vorarlberg, experiments are underway with “walking zones,” for example, around schools. For slightly longer distances, electrified (and increasingly autonomous) public transit will likely play the leading role.
Traveling is becoming more challenging. Unfortunately, flying is and will remain a climate problem for the foreseeable future. Frequent flying will not be an option for a growing global population. Just imagine the contrails in the sky if, instead of the current 2–3 percent of the human population, suddenly 100 percent were to fly.
The alternative travel agency“Traivelling”offers an alternative approach: to make the most climate-friendly option for long-distance travel—the train—more accessible, long-distance trips through various countries, such as Russia, Asia, or North Africa, can be booked here. The alternative travel agency handles all the necessary ticket arrangements.
Perhaps in the future we’ll let ourselves feel wanderlust less often, but when we do, it will be all the more intense, with longer stays that allow us to immerse ourselves even more deeply in the culture of the places we long to visit. In the meantime, we’ll enjoy staycations, vacations at home, or visits with friends—trusting that close relationships contribute even more to our happiness than endless miles of air travel.
Our latest idea for saving the world: mindfulness. Would we exploit the planet less if we practiced it? Apparently so (see study), because it helps us focus on our true needs, view problems differently, and let go of anything that’s excessive. This makes us more resilient in the face of crises and happier (read more stories here).
Major funding sources, such as EU research programs and the German Ministry of Education, are investing in projects that explore this potential. In our hectic, pandemic- and crisis-stricken world, there is plenty of room for greater mindfulness. Initial approaches are already on the table.
Well, then. Let’s take three deep breaths and calmly think about how we can turn all these ideas into reality.