Keynote - The Natural Step: A Framework for Large-Scale Change
Karl-Henrik Robert
An inspiring talk on sustainable development that received a standing
ovation. He talked about some laws in nature: everything disperses (2nd
law of thermodynamics), nothing disappears (1st law of thermodynamics &
principle of matter conservation), net primary productivity is a function
of photosynthesis.
Commitment to sustainable development by professional organizations,
leading businesses, government, schools, throughout Sweden. Key
principles:
It is easier to gain an overview for principles "upstream" than
details "downstream" because of the reduced complexity. Confrontation and
complexity occur downstream (the leaves of the tree - principles are the
trunk and roots).
By stimulating professionals to interpret the upstream-information
into concrete measures downstream, one creates engagement and mutual
respect instead of opposition.
Systems planning through back-casting. Define principles of where you
want to be and look back on how to get there.
Four System Conditions for Sustainability:
1. Substances from the earth's crust must not systematically increase
in nature. Does your organization systematically decrease its economical
dependence on underground metals, fuels, and other minerals?
2. Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in
nature. Does your organization systematically decrease its economical
dependence on persistent substances that are foreign to nature?
3. The physical basis for the productivity and diversity of nature
must not be systematically deteriorated. Does your organization
systematically decrease it's economical dependence on activities which
encroach on productive areas of nature, e.g., long road transports?
4. Fair and efficient use of energy and other resources. Does your
organization systematically decrease its economical dependence on using a
relatively large amount of resources in relation to the added human value?
-- Jim Saveland USDA Forest Service /s=j.saveland/ou1=w01c@mhs-fswa.attmail.com