Recognising #Fridaysforfuture and a need to acknowledge climate change and the world around us the practice and friendly collaborators took some time out recently to see what might be required to accomplish more meaningful change. Fresh from the IGNITE Climate & Cocktails event my head is still spinning with realistic optimism. Here are some ideas to get us started:
One Domino …
First up we heard from Martha (11) who, inspired by Greta, in turn encouraged Elon Musk to “concentrate on sorting out our planet before starting on another??” Be sure to listen out for Martha’s contribution in an upcoming Architecture Made Simple episode. Sophia then spoke about small changes we can all make in our homes and in our lifestyles which together contribute to bigger actual shifts.
Two Dominoes …
One of the key benefits of the IGNITE workshops is that we take the time stand back strategically from the business of our day-to-day lives and refocus. Eva offered us the opportunity to join her and other stakeholders to join the Eco Hub, which serves to …
In this instance our presentations were interspersed with related activities and kinetic games. Rich Lloyd observed the potential we have as an individual’s (dominoes) to effect change. The group creation of a marble run (our own Rube Goldberg machine) encouraged us to recognise that, as a collective, all heading generally in the right direction, we might all eventually reach a connected and purposeful destination.
Three Dominoes …
Activities and discussions helped support the belief that in each of us making a positive change (no matter how seemingly futile) might lead to a positive outcome. Indeed, the biggest lesson of the day was in identifying the potential of geometric growth. The theory and assertion that in each of domino there is the potential to knock over a bigger domino, offered the hope that our little voice might someday become more powerful.
In connecting people and ideas we have the power to realise the unrealistic. If we, as individuals, are being asked to change our lives dramatically, the least, we can expect is that larger companies, who often pretend to make good on their legacy, are held accountable for their actions as well as their inaction.
Time for a New Game
Whilst there is a clear positive impact from an individual response to meet our own net zero and balance our carbon footprint, Tim observed that it should not rest on us alone. It is in the commercial power of companies where significant mitigation lies. Rather than the individual we should be focusing our attention on the bigger players. In reality, with just 90 companies responsible for 66% of historic carbon emissions (Heede 2016), we should be targeting their responsibility and wealth as a means of combatting the damage they have caused.
Playing Big
The question now is how to get to the policy and decision makers at the top to effect a change in ethos. Perhaps the answers lie in dominoes? Let us start by approaching and educating the closest domino to you on the effect they are having. In time we will reach the shareholders and investors who can then lobby these companies to balance things up and encourage them as bigger dominoes to make the right choices.
Asked to add some positivity to proceedings Armin Ganguly assumed a realistic perspective. The question as to how to save the planet is not a fair assessment of the things “we should focus on has to save half the planet’’. There is still time, we should see what we can do! As the great man says, #alwayslookup!
If you know someone who has power and influence then they are your next step to make that change. Begin with the closest and biggest domino you can find. Knock them over with the facts and offer them ideas about how they can help us all save what is left!
Make sure you don’t miss the next IGNITE event scheduled for Friday 16th September.