We are happy to share with you a new article, "The Century Ahead: Searching for Sustainability", just published in a special issue on Sustainable Futures in the journal Sustainability. In this article, we outline guidelines for sustainabitiy, introduce a Quality of Development Indicator, and highlight our quantitative analysis of four very different futures.
The article is available free for download at : http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/8/2626/pdf
The Century Ahead: Searching for Sustainability
Paul D. Raskin, Christi Electris and Richard A. Rosen
Tellus Institute, 11 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Abstract: The global future lies before us as a highly uncertain and contested landscape with numerous perils along the way. This study explores possible pathways to sustainability by considering in quantitative detail four contrasting scenarios for the twenty-first century. The analysis reveals vividly the risks of conventional development approaches and the real danger of socio-ecological descent. Nonetheless, the paper underscores that a Great Transition scenario—turning toward a civilization of enhanced human well-being and environmental resilience—remains an option, and identifies a suite of strategic and value changes for getting there. A fundamental shift in the development paradigm is found to be an urgent necessity for assuring a sustainable future and, as well, a hopeful opportunity for creating a world of enriched lives, human amity, and a healthy ecosphere.
(Apologies for cross-posting)
Best regards,
Christi Electris
