Top down versus bottom up reconciliation.

Anonymous

April 26, 2023

Top down versus bottom up reconciliation.

This image was generated with Dream Studio AI.

I choose to speak about a happy 2040 and not about the one I fear. If we have progressed on a path of sustainable development, it is due to far better connections between top down and bottom up processes. So far, these connections are very scarce. Decision makers at the international levels are not aware of the most pressing challenges at the local levels and vice-versa. This creates at all levels the wrong perceptions linked to "complotism" in general. The main cause of this dialogues de sourds between local and global levels of policy-making is the hierarchy between economic, social and environmental goals, actors and processes. The borders between economics, social sciences and environmental sciences and the lack of transdisciplinary culture are largely responsible for this lack of mutual understanding and consideration. My hope is that in 2040 the borders between these political and scientific silos will be replaced by an overall focus on the difference between bottom up (cacophony of actors) and top down (hierarchy of institutions with economic ones at the top) actions and the elaboration of instruments which are needed to interconnect them.

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Ma vision du future

I'd like the future to be conducive to change and for us to put more projects in place to safeguard flora and fauna. I'd like this future to be less polluting by introducing new renewable energies. A future in which violence and war are reduced thanks to agreements between countries.

Krieg und Frieden auf der Erde

I wish for peace on earth. Wars are terrible and cost human lives, everything is destroyed and people have to flee. People must all be able to live in peace, the money spent on wars can be better spent elsewhere. A third world war would be glorifying, millions of people would have to flee or will die. I myself have never experienced war in my country, but my parents and grandparents have told me about war. I want to hope that there will be peace on earth in 2040, but there should also be peace by 2040. My wish for 2040 is to have a carefree life and to be able to live well in my country.

Träumerei

A united Europe with a strong economy and army, independent of the USA and strong enough to withstand external influences. After a civil war in Russia, it is shaped by the West. Much has been done for the climate and people are doing well in a world where everyone benefits. Cars with new technology characterize the streets. Health care is of a high standard and housing is affordable for everyone.

Gemischte Gefühle

After the difficult and agonizing years of arch-conservative majorities in Western Europe, citizens and governments are reconsidering a different possible future. But hundreds of thousands of people on the streets and younger and fresh politicians have made this happen. The standard of living in Western Europe could not be maintained, but it has stabilized and thus reduced the fears of many people. Advances in hydrogen and fusion technology have prevented energy prices from rising exorbitantly. Eastern and Western Europe have come closer together and agreed to jointly exploit Ukrainian resources. Political and economic unrest in Russia has caused a further partial disintegration of the Russian Union. North Africa has calmed down somewhat and is looking to the future with more optimism. Now that the USA no longer supports Israel on a massive scale, Israel has to conclude a ceasefire and, after tough negotiations, finally make peace with its neighbors. The reconstruction of the regions around Israel is co-financed by the oil states, which want to profit from a calmer region.

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Top down versus bottom up reconciliation.

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