So-lu-tio-nis-mus. This is the belief that major technological breakthroughs will get us out of the climate crisis and the like. So we could simply wait until technologies are ready to suckCO2 out of the atmosphere on a large scale and store it in the ground.
But one thing is clear: for many problems, such as the extinction of species, there is definitely no techno-fix. So what solutions do we have?
1st Half Earth
The most quickly explained idea for saving the world goes back to the US biologist E.O. Wilson: we put half the earth under permanent protection. The Half Earth idea is less utopian than it sounds. Which is why it is even being discussed in the highest committees of the United Nations. If half the Earth were protected, many threats to biodiversity, indigenous populations and the problems of the climate crisis would be swept away in one fell swoop.
2. donut economy
The Dutch capital Amsterdam is in the midst of turning its economy on its head. The city is following the "Economic Compass for the 21st Century": this is what Kate Raworth's donut economy is called.
What does this concept want? To bring about a completely new way of thinking about the economy that is geared towards human needs along closed cycles. To prevent resources from being further exploited, leading to full-blown social crises. In short, it wants to transform the consequences of the current planetary mismanagement.
3. eat the planet healthy
Worldwide, one in four people suffers from obesity and one in ten is undernourished. Animal feed is grown on 2/3 of the world's agricultural land. The Planetary Health Diet attempts to remedy these devastating imbalances, which is both much healthier for us and better for the planet. The new nutritional style of scientists - who are really good cooks (→ see accompanying cookbook) - is based on lots of plant-based, largely organic, foods such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, oils and significantly fewer animal products. Thanks to sophisticated recipe suggestions and sufficient calories in the food, enjoyment is guaranteed and there is no feeling of "dieting".
4. using instead of owning
If we think the "sharing" concept through to the end, a whole mountain of resources will disappear that would not have to be used and consumed in the first place. Rare earths included.
The majority of our things are (too) rarely used. Drills gather dust in the cellar, private cars just stand around 95 percent of the time - it could hardly be more inefficient.
Sharing is the new motto. Sharing platforms for cars, bicycles, scooters, etc. are booming, especially in cities. In Berlin, Vienna, Bern, etc. there are rental stores ("LeiLa"): in this "library of things" you can get (almost) everything your heart desires temporarily: tools, outdoor equipment, instruments, party equipment, etc.
5. the 2000 watt society
The Swiss 'zwiidusig Watt' initiative aims to make energy consumption more tangible. According to ETH Zurich, 2000 watts would be the amount of energy that everyone can consume per year. No matter where in the world.
Exactly this amount could be covered by renewable energy sources and our limited resources (remember: there is no planet B). What does that mean in concrete terms? We need to become much more efficient. We should only consume a third of what we do today.
How will this work? We generate (100 percent renewable) energy where it is needed, distribute it cleverly and store it when required.
Say goodbye to fossil fuels altogether and rigorously avoid waste of any kind, be it standby power, empty kilometers or food waste. Because energy - is everything!
6. from A to B(ahnhof)
Private transport and the desire to travel are real challenges. Getting from A to B will continue to require resources and energy in the future. More or less crazy ideas are circulating (e.g. Elon Musk's tube system with passenger capsules, cargo drones, Volocopter etc.), but whether they are suitable for mass production is questionable.
For short distances, one re-innovation is obvious: the rediscovery of muscle power, on foot or by bike. Some EU projects are already advertising with slogans such as "Knackarsch for all". Large cities are not only promoting cycling, but also pedestrianization (e.g. Vienna). In Vorarlberg, they are experimenting with good walking areas, e.g. around schools. For slightly longer distances, electrified (increasingly autonomous) public transport will probably play the main role.
Traveling is becoming more difficult. Unfortunately, flying is and will remain a climate problem for the foreseeable future. Flying frequently will not be an option for a growing world population. Just imagine the contrails in the sky if 100 percent of the world's population suddenly flew instead of the current 2-3 percent.
The alternative travel agency "Traivelling" has come up with an alternative concept: to make the most climate-friendly long-distance travel option - the train - easier to use, long-distance routes through various countries, such as Russia, Asia or North Africa, can be booked here. The alternative travel agency organizes all the necessary tickets.
Perhaps we will allow wanderlust less often in future, but then all the more intensively, with longer stays to immerse ourselves even more deeply in the culture of our longing destinations. In between, we will enjoy staycations, vacations at home or vacations with friends - in the knowledge that close relationships contribute even more to our happiness in life than vast numbers of air miles.
7. saving the world with 'mindfulness'
Our last world-saving idea for you: mindfulness. Would we exploit the planet less if we practiced it? Apparently yes (see study), because we sharpen our focus on our true needs, categorize problems differently and leave out everything that is too much. This makes us more resilient to crises and happier (several stories on this: here).
Major donors, such as EU research programs or the German Ministry of Education, are investing in projects that explore this potential. There is plenty of scope for more mindfulness in our hectic, pandemic- and crisis-ridden world. Initial approaches are on the table.
Well, then. Let's take three deep breaths and reflect calmly on how we can turn all these ideas into reality.
