Diversity and Sustainability

Diversity is important in a transition toward global sustainability.

In the dictionary the term varied, or various is often used in the definition of the word diversity.

Certainly the challenges facing us in achieving global sustainability are diverse, so the creative input in terms of solutions design and energy to implement those solutions must, at a minimum, be equally diverse.

Obviously the cultures across global societies are diverse, so the knowledge and learning systems we seek to implement for global sustainability must be diverse enough to be valid and effective cross-culturally.

Lastly, the Earth’s natural resources and natural species are diverse and are connected through complex linkages across ecosystems. A growing number of people are beginning to understand that these various ecosystem connections exist and that they provide humans with a diverse array of so-called ecosystem services essential to our lives.

Working with diversity is therefore very important. Being able to work effectively with various ideas and various environments is an important skill that people of the sustainable future must have.

A new more sustainable future is possible. It requires, however, that we become more resilient and more connected so that we can draw-out and optimize all the benefits diversity has to offer.  

EJ Wensing

USVI

ejwensing@ecopshere.net