Sunday, November 22 – Future is created by the actions we take today!

Following Martin’s lecture about climate change, possible future scenarios and consequences on worldwide scale in the next 40-50 years, I start thinking about the legacy. What is my legacy? What is the legacy of people living in my country? What’s the world’s legacy for the future generations?

“Dear friend,

My name is Marko and I am 15 years old. I’m coming from the future, year 2041… I was thinking it’s extremely important to share following questions and thoughts with you, and I believe it will lead you towards concrete actions, because time is passing…

I am your legacy. Sounds strange when you just think about the fact that your legacy is talking with you. Year 2041 looks so far away… You think? No, my friend! Turn around! It’s behind the next corner! 31 years from now, almost half of a life… and the question is what are your dreams 30 years from now? How do you see yourself, your legacy, what kind of life you wish for the future generations? Do you even think about them?

Answers on these questions, or better to say your actions that you will take in present, will create the future… And given the current scenario of your world, you may have only two options.

First scenario is easier… you just need to continue living your life as you were doing all this time. You work, earn, demand, buy, enjoy and everything you need, whole system of supply chain, transportation, health, education, energy, etc. is functioning… somehow… you don’t need to know how and from where, because you’re just one of the billions, one consumer… Nice life, isn’t it?

And then only 30 years from now, bum! No resources anymore! You think probably I’m talking nonsense. But let me give you one simple example: when you need bread for breakfast, you go to the supermarket, buy bread, eat it and one day after there is no bread anymore, right? So, whatever is around us, there is beginning and end; in one moment glass is full of water, few seconds after it’s empty.

This leads into the logic conclusion that energy resources such as natural gas, oil and coal will disappear one day – main drivers of our world. In only 150 years we succeed to exploit half of the world’s energy resources, and given the scenario of world’s development in the future, other half is gone in only 50 years from now. Sounds futuristic, right? No, it’s not futuristic at all; it’s the reality of your present!

So, first scenario could lead directly to economy crash around the world, social and political instability and huge environmental issues, which are unlikely out of the human control. And this is not happening somewhere, far away from you, from Serbia, no, no. It’s happening and affecting every single square meter of the country and every single person.

Second scenario… uh, much harder, much more demanding and requires thinking, behavioral change, creation and action as of today. But actually this scenario can be quite funny and exciting… What is this all about?

It’s about start using current resources in more responsible and sustainable way. Talking through examples, it means: turning off the lights when we don’t need them, starting waste separation, recycling, trashing our garbage into the garbage cans, not all around, buying domestic products because their production requires  less energy and resources than imported products, and additionally we make small and significant impact on economy growth of our country, etc. List of possible simple steps that each of us can do immediately is endless.

And everything is about innovations, actions and solutions. Instead of using coal, or oil we could start thinking about solar or wind power as energy resources. Cheaper, don’t pollute the environment and sustainable sources of energy… At least Serbia has a lot of sunny days, and windy areas as well.

It’s incredible how many possibilities this scenario provides! And how many new business ideas can be created around renewable energy resources, which encourages economy boost, creates new jobs for people and sustainable and clean environment for generations to come.

For a long time in human history ecology and environmental protection were hidden behind the scenes as unimportant sciences which will not make huge impact on the World’s prosperity. But believe it or not – protecting the environment and sustaining innovative solutions are the future.

Two possible scenarios… and it’s up to you to make your action steps today!

It does not depend on governments, or someone else, it depends on each of us. And it’s not only about the environment, it’s about whole life cycle… the environment is  play-maker of the game…

So my friend, let’s rock ‘n’ roll the future today. I look forward to meeting you in Serbia 31 year from now, country of sustainable and renewable solutions and proactive citizens.

(Natalie, big thank you! )