To avoid externalities, think beyond narrow problem definitions and consider how solutions may impact other variables and systems.
Strategically aligning with institutions and developing comprehensive plans can transition away from environmentally destructive practices while promoting economic growth.
Triage strategies involve understanding opposing forces and finding ways to align them with preservation goals, such as connecting food security interests with environmental protection.
Deep dives
Thinking through externalities
To avoid externalities, it is important to anticipate and consider the upstream and downstream effects of a solution. This involves thinking beyond the narrow problem definition and analyzing how the solution might impact other variables and systems. This requires broad listening and diverse perspectives to uncover potential externalities and unseen consequences. Talking to different stakeholders, such as indigenous communities, legal experts, economists, and scientists, can provide valuable insights and help refine the solution to minimize negative impacts while still achieving the intended outcome. Additionally, implementing the solution in experimental and iterative ways, rather than on a large scale right away, can help identify and address any unforeseen issues or risks. Lastly, maintaining ongoing monitoring and adapting strategies based on feedback and new information can help address externalities as they arise.
Transition: Strategic Approaches for Protecting the Amazon
To protect the Amazon rainforest, a transition approach could involve working with institutions like the State Department to link food security concerns with the impact of deforestation. This could lead to debt forgiveness and economic development plans that prioritize tech jobs and education for skilled labor. Mining and extraction activities could be regulated to minimize environmental harm and ensure more wealth remains in the country. By strategically aligning with institutions and developing comprehensive plans, it becomes possible to transition away from environmentally destructive practices while still promoting economic growth.
Triage: Leveraging Forces for Environmental Protection
Triage strategies in protecting the Amazon rainforest could involve understanding the forces that oppose conservation and finding ways to align them with the goal of preservation. For example, connecting the State Department's interest in food security with the World Bank's financial leverage could lead to debt restructuring contingent on environmental protection. By strategically working with key players and promoting a comprehensive economic development plan that excludes harmful practices, it becomes possible to address broader concerns while ensuring regional preservation.
Long-term: Transforming Systems for Sustainability
Long-term strategies for the Amazon rainforest involve transforming systems at a global scale. This includes reevaluating the nature of global capitalism and the financial system, implementing real cost valuation that incorporates environmental impact, and reshaping education systems to foster values of sustainability. Long-term thinking envisions closed-loop food and manufacturing systems that eliminate the need for continuous exploitation. By approaching the long-term vision in conjunction with transition and triage strategies, it becomes possible to build a future where the preservation of natural resources is at the core of societal values.
Triage Solutions for Catastrophic Risks
Triage involves addressing imminent catastrophic risks by implementing scientific research, legal work, and international cooperation. For instance, to address the risks associated with synthetic biology, scientific work can focus on stopping dangerous research and emphasizing preventive measures. Legal work can advocate for laws and regulations on biosecurity, and international coordination can ensure global compliance. Triage solutions require a targeted approach involving a smaller group of individuals to mitigate immediate risks.
Transitioning Existing Systems
Transition solutions aim to improve existing systems, such as government structures or voting systems. For example, addressing the flaws in the US government can involve non-partisan primaries, ranked choice voting, and eliminating gerrymandering and campaign finance issues. These transition measures can make the government more responsive, less polarized, and less corrupt. Transition solutions work within the framework of existing systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
On this 5th and final installment of the Bend Not Break series with Daniel Schmachtenberger, we unpack the framework and mindset needed to begin thinking about responses. This conversation touches on what it means to work on personal development in the light of a polycrisis, and how it is truly a never ending but necessary challenge. Finally, Daniel and Nate break down a 3x3 grid on time frame and category of responses.
Whilst this is the end of this series, there is, of course, much left to be unpacked. If there are any specific topics you want covered in a follow up Daniel/Nate conversation, we encourage you to leave your questions in the comments of the Youtube video, which can be found here -> https://youtu.be/Kep8Fi_rUUI
About Daniel Schmachtenberger:
Daniel Schmachtenberger is a founding member of The Consilience Project, aimed at improving public sensemaking and dialogue.
The throughline of his interests has to do with ways of improving the health and development of individuals and society, with a virtuous relationship between the two as a goal.
Towards these ends, he’s had particular interest in the topics of catastrophic and existential risk, civilization and institutional decay and collapse as well as progress, collective action problems, social organization theories, and the relevant domains in philosophy and science.
