Title: Why is there no meaningful change to a sustainable future?

Authors: John J. Fitzpatrick

Addresses: School of Engineering (Process and Chemical Engineering), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

Abstract: Humanity is on an unsustainable path and many realise that this could potentially be disastrous for humanity, especially for future generations. Some envisage potential solutions that could move us to less unsustainable paths, however these would require major changes to contemporary high carbon and resource lifestyles. Those having major impact, particularly in the developed world, appear to be unable to embrace these changes in any meaningful way. This is despite the growing scientific and social scientific evidence and research urging change. This paper endeavours to outline reasons for why there is no meaningful change. It uses the issue of energy and its connection to climate change as an example, although the reasons explored could be applied to other major issues that contribute to unsustainability. It argues that, even though there are major technological challenges, the major reasons for the slow pace of change exist in the economic and social-political domains.

Keywords: sustainability; sustainable development; human behaviour; energy; climate change; unsustainability; societal change.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSS.2016.076007

International Journal of Society Systems Science, 2016 Vol.8 No.1, pp.36 - 48

Received: 01 Dec 2014
Accepted: 28 Jun 2015
Published online: 21 Apr 2016 *

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