April Fools?

How does the world make a massive shift toward sustainable living? We need a catalyst to begin this chain reaction toward sustainable solutions. The infrastructure of support is growing on the grassroots level. Modern communications can disseminate information at speeds never before imagined. Sustainable living solutions are everywhere, there are companies, non-profits and NGO’s all espousing ways to become more sustainable. The necessity of change becomes more apparent as resources deplete. We have the tools, technology and information we need. We lack the people, desire and understanding needed to create positive action. A critical mass is required for any reaction to take place. This what is missing from the so-called “green revolution”. To create critical mass you need a small input of energy at the correct time and place: a catalyst. This catalyst provides the input necessary to fuse efforts together and create forward action toward sustainability.

Dwight Elgin discuses this catalyst in his book _____. He states that in order for humanity to continue surviving as the dominant species on earth, we must “bounce” to the next evolutionary level or suffer the inevitability of overpopulation and resource exhaustion. This coincides with Darwin’s theory of natural selection, where genetic mutations become beneficial adaptations through years of involuntary eugenics. While natural selection involves the “bounce” of the individual, Elgin’s theory deals with the mutation of species as whole. This seems impossible if looked at from a purely physical point of view. Humans cannot instantaneously grow and extra foot or arm let alone do this simultaneously with everyone else. However, if we think of the evolving of thought, or consciousness, this idea is not so far fetched. The major achievements of our history have all been due to radical changes of thought. The same will hold true for our future, in order to continue to sustain our species, we must “bounce” our consciousness to a new level. The evolution of consciousness is our catalyst.

The evolved consciousness will cease humanity’s destructive policies in favor of solidarity and sustainability. Current human consciousness, defined by Decartes immortal “I am”, is a singular expression of the individual. This is the consciousness of a spoiled child, who selfishly considers his wants more important than others needs. Evolving beyond individual consciousness to the global collective puts the needs of the whole over the want of the individual. The “I am” consciousness changes to “We are”. The necessary solution for a sustainable world requires first establishing a global collective consciousness.

Establishing a global collective consciousness is process of succession. The individual struggling to meet daily needs will not evolve consciousness. Subsistence living does not allow for anything but personal survival. Surplus must be achieved before consciousness is evolved. As a whole, humans produce enough resources per capita to provide this surplus. Why is it then that people are still without food and clean water in this world? The problem lies in distribution. The largest portion of the surplus goes to sustain the smallest (and richest) part of the population. Redistribution of wealth is the key to providing a surplus for all, thus allowing an evolution of consciousness.

Long a goal of sustainable development, the construction of the green economy solves a myriad of problems. Creating this new economy eliminates environmental concerns and many barriers to sustainability. Furthermore, it is a vehicle for redistribution. The “third world” is wallowing in the dregs of oil based economics, trying to build an energy infrastructure that will soon be obsolete. With fossil fuel still economically viable, the “first world” refuses to replace it’s entrenched infrastructure with renewable energy sources. Logically, we plant the seed for the green economy where it will most likely take root, in the fertile soil of the poor and oppressed. Construction of a new renewable energy infrastructure creates jobs, increased industry and development and enough investment opportunities top interest big business. This “New Deal” for the third world increases surplus for the individual, closing the gap between the world’s rich and poor. Solidarity increases; the mechanisms for global consciousness begin to tick.

It seems impossible to evolve world consciousness, redistribute wealth, and create global green energy revolution all in one fell swoop. It certainly is a big charter. But the world isn’t changed by doing only what’s possible. Idealism becomes practicality when necessity dictates. The importance of this consciousness ideal lies not in the plan, but in the action. Now, more than ever before in history, our individual actions have inestimable effect on the rest of the planet. The choice of whether these actions will help or harm humanity’s future lies at our doorstep. Evolving our consciousness simply means actively choosing to live for the betterment of humanity. As Ghandi once said, “¼to renounce self interest¼will make not only for our own happiness, but that of the world at large”