Cleaner. Inexhaustible. Cheaper. These are some of the attributes that follow renewable energy source production. So, why is this type of energy still being considered an “alternative” option? One (and perhaps the most important) of the reasons is the technological lock-in that the present and dominant technological regimes (or paradigms) are being controlled by. Lock-in … Sigue leyendo SDG7: ‘Affordable’ is becoming redundant
Categoría: From Ego to Eco
SDG13: Co-Intelligence: Cogito ergo sumus
“How is she qualified to talk about climate change?” I have often heard these and similar questions regarding Greta Thunberg’s competencies. Ever since she became one of the most prominent figures in the fight against climate change, people became triggered by the gap between her youth and the central role she plays. They question Greta’s … Sigue leyendo SDG13: Co-Intelligence: Cogito ergo sumus
The end of the Midas dynasty
Midas was a king who had it all. He considered himself a happy man and believed that the source of his happiness was provided by gold. Nothing would make him happier than to spend his days counting his golden coins, adorning his body with golden objects, and taking the occasional dip into a bath full … Sigue leyendo The end of the Midas dynasty
Through ‘More Local’ to ‘More Europe’
Name one utopic vision that turned reality? A few years ago, with a group of colleagues from LUMES, while working on envisioning future environmental scenarios, we came upon this question. When my turn arrived, I've named the European Union as the most incredible utopic vision ever to become a reality. As an argument, I've reconstructed … Sigue leyendo Through ‘More Local’ to ‘More Europe’
‘Millionaires make money. Billionaires make history.’… too much history
"I'm a millionaire, and millionaires make money. It’s the billionaires who make history”. This quote was attributed to George Soros in a biopic published in Duga, a Serbian magazine that I used to follow back in the '90s. It was the answer Soros allegedly made in his early days of being 'just' a millionaire when … Sigue leyendo ‘Millionaires make money. Billionaires make history.’… too much history
It’s the Tomorrow, stupid
One irrefutable statement can be applied to today's political, social, and economic choices, and that is: “It’s the Tomorrow, stupid." Set into a mathematical formula form, this could be expressed as Humanity – Tomorrow = No Humanity. Environmental sustainability is what turns the equation positive. It comes from the commitment to assure future generations’ “ability … Sigue leyendo It’s the Tomorrow, stupid
New guilt management
Since the early days' of our hunter/gatherer ancestors, human societies have developed belief systems. These systems evolved around different myths through which our relationship with nature has been shaped. Floods, wildfires, famines, droughts, epidemics, and other disasters were attributed to gods' deception. In order to appease them, sacrifices had to be made. This became a … Sigue leyendo New guilt management
Eudaimonia of scale
These letters have been brought to your attention through a series of interactions between different materials. You were most likely reading these lines on your phone after a vibrating tone, and bright flashes alerted your attention. These were made possible by tungsten, found in the phone vibrating mechanism, and indium and/or some other rare earth … Sigue leyendo Eudaimonia of scale
From linear to circular citizens
Europe is resource-poor. Compared to most other continents, we don't have vast reserves of natural reserves buried underground. But, if instead of under we focus above ground, this shouldn't be an obstacle to our future development. There is an enormous amount of material to be recovered from recycling waste. According to Eurostat (see Figure 2), … Sigue leyendo From linear to circular citizens
U before V
“What is the life-stage of the human family: toddlers, teenagers, adults, or elders?” Among many different audiences, comprised of people coming from different countries, races, and cultures, the most common answer to this Duane Elgin’s question was that we are in the teenage years. As Elgin summarized it, taking the social average for the human … Sigue leyendo U before V
Boris Matijas 