Introduction: Transition to Enabling Analysis

Leaving Part II, Disabling Analysis

We recognize that obstacles exist but here acknowledge the possibilities. We also raise the fundamental although daunting question: How Can We Transition to World Sustainability?

How we can transition to World Sustainability?

This is the central question of the Enabling Analysis. The answer is not obvious. Think about it. Shall we brainstorm? What might work?

World Sustainability may be the defining issue of our times.

What do you think? Recall Part I, the definition of an intertwined set of problems about ecology, economy, and societies. We are not

How high are the stakes? Potentially, very high, very deep, and widespread.

We will not say, for example:
The Earth will be destroyed.
Humanity will disappear.
We do raise the issue that overshoot will result in a loss of quality of life, potential strife, greater suffering, and a civilizational succession.

Brown sees two paths: Plan A and Plan B. There are many derivations.

Plan A is business as usual. Plan B is Brown's definition of a sustainability revolution. There are many possibilities, so we start with broad scenarios here.

Although we can speculate, we do not know.

Which is exciting and allows for choices among alternative futures. Here, I try to sketch a way of getting to World Sustainability, reflecting an Enabling Analysis. It is my own and is meant to stimulate discussion

Note the outline contained in the TOC, left pane

1. Double Movement and Civil Society
2. Public Policy
3. Eco-economy and Green Commerce
4. People Power: Yes, we can!---the motto of the Farm Labor Movement in California

A personal statement of optimism.

Inexplicably, without empirical foundation, I have become optimistic, although I started the spring, 2008, offerings quite pessimistic. I attribute this change in attitude entirely to the influence exerted by my students. I have great confidence in this generation. I thank these fine young people. They get it about their future and what passes today as leadership.