Triggering transformations to sustainability through stewardship by Terry Chapin

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This seminar is co-hosted by the Sustainable Places Research Institute and the Cardiff Law and Global Justice Centre

Stewardship is a framework for addressing the major environmental and social problems of our time. Regardless of the level at which it is implemented, transformation of social-ecological systems requires actions by individual citizens, both ordinary and extraordinary. This presentation describes an approach that empowers a spectrum of solutions appropriate to people with different interests, skills, political persuasions, and level of environmental and social commitment. This involves a four-tiered stewardship strategy to transform communities, nations, and planet.

Key elements of this strategy are (1) individual actions that link people with nature and reduce human impacts on the planet, (2) effective communication to reduce political polarization and share solutions, (3) collaborations that integrate actions of multiple groups, and (4) political engagement to trigger needed transformations.

This approach assumes that people vary in their visions and goals for the future of ecosystems and society: concern for the future of their children and grandchildren, a spiritual commitment to care for Creation and vulnerable people, a desire to sustain the best of nature and of cultures, and a concern about the security and well-being of their communities, nations, and the world. This is not a strategy about what should be done. Instead, it addresses what has been and can be done by focusing on people’s goals and intents and provides a pragmatic strategy for tangible progress.

Please email sustainableplacescomms@cardiff.ac.uk if you have any accessibility requirements.

This seminar is free to attend and open to all.