By using creative and liminal thinking, we can break free from our existing systems and envision new pathways for action. Radical imagination can inspire collective action and help us to imagine and create a more sustainable and just world.
Radical imagination refers to the capacity to envision and create radically different futures that challenge the status quo and move us towards a more just and sustainable world. By using radical imagination to explore new possibilities, we can break free from the constraints of current thinking and systems and create new pathways for action.
Thinking of alternative futures involves reimagining our current economic, social, and political systems and considering how they could be transformed to prioritize sustainability and equity. This process requires us to challenge our assumptions about what is possible and to explore alternative ways of organizing society that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet.
Indigenous communities around the world have long practiced systems of reciprocity, which involve mutual exchange and sharing of resources, knowledge, and support among community members. These systems prioritize relationships and community well-being over individual gain and are rooted in a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.
Incorporating systems of reciprocity into our culture can act as a powerful tool in shifting our culture and systems towards sustainability. In doing so, we can create a culture that values collaboration and cooperation rather than competition and individualism. Ultimately, incorporating systems of reciprocity into our culture requires a shift in values and priorities. By embracing the reciprocity and local community-based initiatives, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Regenerative practices are not only a practical solution to climate change, but also a powerful cultural shift towards a more sustainable and just future. Through practices such as regenerative agriculture and forestry, improving soil health and enhancing biodiversity we can not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also adapt to them.
Perhaps even more powerfully than that, regenerative practices help us to challenge the dominant culture of consumerism and exploitation that has driven the climate crisis. By prioritising regeneration over exploitation, we can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and responsibility to the planet — we can recognise that we are part of a larger ecosystem that we depend on for our survival.
The world is not homogenous — there is a rich tapestry of perspectives and ways of being. Find out how you can ignite your imagination and use it to find solutions to the damaging systems around us.
Read this introduction on radical imagination to understand how you can use it to envision a more just and sustainable world. This article is published by the Everyday Activism Network to help people imagine a better future.
Watch this TED talk on “Imagining the Next Seven Generations”. It speaks of the Seven Generation Principle which states that in every decision, you should consider the impact it will have on the next seven generations. The principle encourages long-term thinking and sustainable practices that will benefit future generations.
Read a book that expands your understanding of how to address the climate crisis and what solutions are possible.
Watch this video on why “Biomimicry is More Than Good Design” by Our Changing Climate. It argues for the power of looking to nature for inspiration when thinking about our problems. Whether that is in design, politics, or in our relationships
Subscribe, follow and share media organisations focused on climate justice, that are organised by marginalised people or that highlight marginalised voices. They will widen your perspective and help you advocate for a more just and equitable world.
Support organisations dreaming big, trying to shift culture, and educating people. Many of these organisations are grassroots, and rely on the donations and support of people who find their content beneficial.
Attend the Open Education events on the Slow Factory. The Slow Factory mission is to redesign socially and environmentally harmful systems through educational programming, regenerative design, and materials innovation. The events cover a wide range of topics, including regenerative economics, fashion and beauty politics, and collective healing.
Join and become a member of Rob Hopkin’s Patreon community to have access to all episodes of the podcast ‘From What if to What Next’ and ‘the Ministry of the Imagination’. These podcasts help build a shared imagination of what is possible, and then ground ideas in practical steps guided by experts. The topics are shaped by listener questions and you can also take part in Q&A events.
Time outdoors builds connection with nature that reminds us of what we have to lose, and what we stand to gain from building a more just, green, and sustainable future. Spend time in your local nature and reflect on your relationship with it.
Advocate for policies that create better living conditions for current and future generations. If you’re interested in governance and policymaking then you can submit to the World Future Council Future Policy Award. The award celebrates successful forward-thinking policies and has links to IGO's such as UN agencies and the OECD, so the potential for real-world adoption is high.
Imagine the future by using this guide created by Greenpeace. Movements often focus on what current harmful systems need to be dismantled; the other side of the coin is thinking about what should be built in its place. The guide has five lessons on how you can imagine and then create a future worth fighting for.
‘All We Can Save‘ was born out of a longing for climate leadership that is justice-centered, heart-centered, and rooted in the work and wisdom of women. To deepen dialogue and support connection, learn how to facilitate a Circle workshop.
