Future of Sustainability 2020: Has the disruption from COVID-19 accelerated the transition to a sustainable future, or made it more challenging?

This Forum for the Future

Future of Sustainability 2020: Has the disruption from COVID-19 accelerated the transition to a sustainable future, or made it more challenging?

This Forum for the Future webinar took place on 22 July 2020. We are in the midst of a historic moment that will shape society for decades to come. The COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating impact – both in terms of lives lost and economic disruption. The region’s informal, cash-based economies are particularly vulnerable. At Forum for the Future we believe this may also be a moment to re-imagine how we rebuild our economies.

We are therefore calling for business, governments, civil society and communities to seize this moment in helping to deliver a more just, sustainable and resilient world. Drawing on research and insights we gather annually to understand what is next for the fields of sustainability, impact investing and philanthropy, we will share a suite of futures trajectories we have been developing which help us understand possible ways forward as change-makers. We believe only one of these trajectories, which we are calling 'Transform', has the potential to create the just, resilient and sustainable systems we need. It is based on a mindset that recognizes the interdependent nature of the challenges we face today. The session included reflections from inspiring change-makers who are already driving towards this 'Transform' trajectory – aiming to shift our political, economic and social systems so that they work together in service of human and planetary health, justice and economic resilience. If there is ever a time to drive this transformative change, it is now.

Beavers offer ancient, nature-based solutions to climate disruption, addressing challenges like droughts, floods, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. This episode of Bioneers' "Nature's Genius"

Beavers offer ancient, nature-based solutions to climate disruption, addressing challenges like droughts, floods, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. This episode of Bioneers' "Nature's Genius" podcast explores how these "rodent relatives" can heal nature by working with it.

Kate Lundquist and Brock Dolman of the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center share their journey as "Beaver Believers." They are part of a passionate global movement to restore beavers, demonstrating how these animals help balance human civilization with living systems.

Visit the series page to learn more about Nature’s Genius.

Beaver restoration offers ancient, nature-based solutions to climate disruption, addressing challenges like droughts, floods, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. These vital rodents heal

Beaver restoration offers ancient, nature-based solutions to climate disruption, addressing challenges like droughts, floods, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. These vital rodents heal ecosystems by working with nature.

In this episode, "Beaver Believers" Kate Lundquist and Brock Dolman of the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) share their journey. As co-directors of OAEC’s WATER Institute, they lead a global movement to reintroduce beavers, promoting healthy watersheds and climate resilience.

Learn more through resources like the Beaver Believer article and the WATER Institute’s Beaver in California reader. This episode is from the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series.

This program explores the critical shift from "me" to "we" to overcome divisions and foster a collective destiny where everyone belongs. It features a deep conversation between Angela Glover

This program explores the critical shift from "me" to "we" to overcome divisions and foster a collective destiny where everyone belongs. It features a deep conversation between Angela Glover Blackwell and john a. powell, leaders in building a multicultural democracy.

Angela Glover Blackwell is Founder-in-Residence at PolicyLink, advancing racial and economic equity. John a. powell directs the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley and co-founded the Poverty & Race Research Action Council. This episode is part of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series, with additional resources available.

Nature's Genius, a Bioneers podcast, explores how nature's wisdom offers solutions for human civilization and living systems. It posits an "Age of Nature," urging a radical shift in our

Nature's Genius, a Bioneers podcast, explores how nature's wisdom offers solutions for human civilization and living systems. It posits an "Age of Nature," urging a radical shift in our relationship with the natural world for healing ourselves and the planet.

The series blends Indigenous wisdom and modern science, revealing interconnectedness and time-tested principles from 3.8 billion years of evolution that allow living systems to flourish.

It features scientists, ecologists, Indigenous practitioners, and authors like Brett KenCairn (naturebasedclimate.solutions) and Toby Kiers (spun.earth). They explore nature's inherent intelligence to model sustainable human organization.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist and conservation biologist, co-hosts "Wild Kingdom" and shares her personal journey. She advocates for peaceful coexistence, reminding us that humans are

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist and conservation biologist, co-hosts "Wild Kingdom" and shares her personal journey. She advocates for peaceful coexistence, reminding us that humans are part of nature, and all life is interconnected.

She is the author of "Wild Life: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World" (https://zandoprojects.com/books/wildlife/) and creator of the "Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant" podcast. This content is part of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series. Learn more at the Bioneers radio and podcast homepage.

During Climate Week in New York City, WECAN held a virtual public event on September 26, 2024, titled “Transforming Global Economies: From Extraction to Regeneration in a Just

During Climate Week in New York City, WECAN held a virtual public event on September 26, 2024, titled “Transforming Global Economies: From Extraction to Regeneration in a Just Transition.”

Global women leaders shared insights on a Just Transition and innovative economic models, including community-led initiatives, feminist economics, Indigenous wisdom, and traditional practices of reciprocity with the Earth. This dynamic discussion highlighted a clear path to a thriving, socially just, and ecologically enriching future for all.

WECAN extends sincere thanks to all the inspiring speakers for their valuable contributions.

Climate change poses significant, widespread disruptions to the American economy, threatening our health, safety, and prosperity. Immediate action from policymakers and businesses is vital to

Climate change poses significant, widespread disruptions to the American economy, threatening our health, safety, and prosperity. Immediate action from policymakers and businesses is vital to mitigate climate risk. This panel will highlight innovative public-private solutions, discussing how businesses, governments, and communities can collaborate for greater resilience.

Panelists include: Joel Beauvais (U.S. EPA), Pam O'Connor (City of Santa Monica), Harriet Tregoning (U.S. HUD), and Kate Dineen (NY Governor's Office of Storm Recovery).

Premiered March 31, 2020, "The Rights of Nature" explores a legal strategy emerging as conventional laws fail to address environmental degradation. While Western views often treat nature as

Premiered March 31, 2020, "The Rights of Nature" explores a legal strategy emerging as conventional laws fail to address environmental degradation. While Western views often treat nature as property, indigenous communities have long seen themselves as part of it.

The film delves into the origins and global application of the Rights of Nature. It showcases constitutional reforms in Ecuador, partnerships between the Māori and New Zealand government granting personhood to natural entities, and its function in urban Santa Monica, California.

It examines the successes and challenges of creating these new legal structures, aiming to restore ecosystems and achieve a vital balance between humanity and nature.

Financing the Energy Frontier for Anchorage | PGS Capstone Showcase Fall 2019

From the December 2019 Capstone Showcase, this team of Presidians assessed a green investment bank model as a

Financing the Energy Frontier for Anchorage | PGS Capstone Showcase Fall 2019

From the December 2019 Capstone Showcase, this team of Presidians assessed a green investment bank model as a means to address the Municipality of Anchorage’s climate goals and analyzed several possible legal structures, leveraging multi-sector partnerships. Presented by Melanie Lucas-Conwell (MBA), Sarah Nelson (MBA), and Monica Pandele (MBA, MPA). About Presidio Graduate School: PGS is an accredited, nonprofit graduate school founded in 2003, offering several unique degree programs — three MBAs, the only sustainable MPA, and one of the only Dual MBA/MPAs — as well as several certificates, all taught with our systems-thinking methodology at the core. The premise we adhere to is that real change happens at the intersection between private enterprise and the public sector, and across commerce, and the common good. Learn more about PGS, our mission, and our programs at presidio.edu or call us at 415-561-6555.