In a world dominated by short-termism, where our focus is constantly captured by social media, political headlines, and fleeting fashion trends, we face a critical existential risk. This kind of narrow, short-term tunnel vision has led us to a situation where humanity might only be left with a short-term existence as a species. It is widely acknowledged that we are the first generation to truly feel the impacts of climate change and simultaneously the last generation with the ability to meaningfully address it.
If short-termism got us into this mess, a new focus on long-termism must be the way out.
Learning from Ancient Wisdom and Art
The concept of long-term thinking is deeply embedded in some cultures. For some Indigenous communities, decisions are made in line with the belief that their seven future generations are sitting with them, guiding their choices. This mindset ensures they focus not only on what they teach the next generation but what the next seven generations must know to survive.
Art can also help us transcend our natural human tendency to think only within our own lifespan. Artists use creative expressions, such as a mirror ball beaming ten thousand eclipses or clocks telling time on other planets, to allow the viewer to step outside their immediate existence and connect with the Earth and living organisms on a vast timescale.
Institutionalizing the Future
Practical, real-world mechanisms are being developed to hold institutions accountable to the future.
The Future Library project, started in 2014 on the outskirts of Oslo, is a powerful symbol of this commitment. A thousand trees were planted that will be cut down, pulped, and made into a book in a century. Over 100 authors are invited year by year to contribute a new text, which will remain unread for 100 years. The conversations around this project have shifted from debating the survival of the paper book to the shocking question: Will humanity even exist to read the book in a century?
On a governmental level, a key legislative measure has been introduced in Wales: the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015). This law requires all public bodies to demonstrate how their decisions meet today's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. An independent Future Generations Commissioner is appointed to act as a guardian of these interests and hold the government accountable.
A significant test case involved a proposal to build a 13-mile stretch of motorway. The Commissioner challenged the government to explain its long-term thinking and consideration of future trends. Ultimately, the proposal was rejected, proving that doing the right thing for current generations does not have to be mutually exclusive with doing the right thing for future ones.
Becoming Better Ancestors
Politicians are not renowned for their long-term thinking, which makes it a brave move to install a law requiring them to think long-term and appoint an independent person to hold them to account. This shift towards engaging with the long-term has been found to change people's behavior in the short term, compelling them to take responsibility for that future.
None of us will live forever; we are all mortal. The question we must ask ourselves is: What do we want to leave behind? How can we leave a better legacy for those who come after us? How might we be better ancestors?
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