David Korten: The Great Turning

Design economic activity around life - not money.  Strive for self reliant communities, not the maximization of profits.

David Korten

categories—Economic, Environment, Peace, Political, Social-Spiritual

SHIFTING HOW ECONOMIES WORKS

Unimpeded economic activities that violate Nature’s universal and non-negotiable laws, will ultimately destroy us all. And in many ways we are all complicit in that scenario.

So, in the big picture, the question is, what economic shifts will help build a more just, compassionate, spiritual fulfilling and sustainable world?

Les Brown in his 300+ page book, Plan B 4.0, observed that for every problem facing humanity, there’s a working solution somewhere in the world. BUT, the blockages to their implementation are staggering. There is a lack of getting the word out; special interest groups have a heavy influence on public policy; and at the top of the list is ourselves. The human tendency is to resist change; to stay within one’s comfort zone.

Unfortunately, since Brown’s first edition of Plan B in 2003, the complex picture of the Earth's vital signs has continued to worsen, Brown explains. In studying the relationship between the economy and the environment he says the list of "failing states" - i.e. countries whose governments cannot cope with its basic responsibilities - such as ensuring personal security and providing social services - is expanding alarmingly. Brown asks in Plan B 3.0 how many failing states it will take before the entire fabric of civilization starts to unravel.

Brown is impassioned and convincing when talking about the world's ills and what he considers the four great goals to restoring civilization's equilibrium: stabilizing climate (he believes the magic number to cut greenhouse gas emissions is 80 percent by 2020), stabilizing population, eradicating poverty and restoring the world's damaged ecosystems. These four goals are interdependent, Brown says - failure to reach one means the others are also at risk.

from a “Big Picture” perspective...

“The Great Turning”

Self-reliant Communities

This is an excerpt from Korten’s inspiring presentation of his new book "The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community". Full-length DVD available at www.peakmoment.tv. His thesis is: design economic activity around life - not money.

1. •Integrating our economy with earth. Brian Swimme.

1. •Visioning, Creating, Organ-izing, Educating, Supporting

O vision: O create: O organize: O educate: O support:

LEARN MORE...

1. •Economic Collapse
   

   - Articles

1. •Corporatocracy
   

2. •Food Policy by Michael Pollen. Does policy make a difference?
   

3. •20 Years Left. What is the reality of our fossil fuel dilemma?
   

4. •The Peak Oil Crisis. How can we prepare for a post fossil fuel era?
   

5. •(Al Gore) We Can Solve It / Big Oil Lobbyists
   

6. •Toxic Free Fabrics. On what principles should we make things?
   

7. •Vote with your money. How does this influence design?
   

8. •Miniature Earth. How could redesign affect how we live?

Sustainability or bust

We are already overshooting the planet’s carrying capacity. For humanity to survive and thrive it will have to live sustainably on this one and only planet we have - our home. William McDonough offers a “cradle to cradle” economic system design; “Our goal is a delightfully diverse, safe, healthy and just world, with clean air, water, soil and power – economically, equitably, ecologically and elegantly enjoyed.” A shift with this intention is a sign of hope for a livable future.

Open Space for Reflection and Discussion

What if we were able to break those barriers?

How might it happen? Who is stepping up to break them?

What part could “I” play that I’m not now doing?

Hazel Henderson “conversations”