Polycrisis is associated with challenges where the interaction of separate crises exceeds the sum of each crisis. Human-induced climate change, a loss of biodiversity, and the depletion of natural resources are examples of crises with negative local, global, and planetary impacts. Humans are responsible for confronting the consequences of their actions, but they also have the power to act.
How human potential can empower society so that just social transformation can be implemented in society in the age of polycrisis? Maybe a new social contract is needed. Perhaps Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development can be a starting point for a new social contract catching citizens on board and pulling in the same direction by building more sustainable governance and policies. If so, the six focus areas have already been identified:
1. Economy and work promoting wellbeing and sustainable consumption
2. Education, competence and sustainable lifestyles
3. Wellbeing, health and social inclusion
4. Food system promoting wellbeing
5. Forest, water and land use promoting biodiversity and carbon neutrality
6. Sustainable energy systems
To determine a key component of a sustainable society’s social contract, it’s crucial to consider what truly enhances wellbeing. Flourishing goes beyond just material wealth or a standard of living; it also encompasses non-material aspects such as meaningful life, personal growth, engagement, and positive relationships with others. These factors can enhance quality of life by providing it with purpose and meaning.
Social transformation is based on the social contract that commits actors from different sectors of society to act on specific focus areas (sustainability transformations) from their own perspective. Given that the current polycrisis threatens humanity, it’s fair to say that our generation should do what we can to promote international collaboration, influence national decision-making, contribute to transformations needed in industries, and make conscious choices in our daily lives.