Future Mindset

The Global race for the future

Conscious

Control

Responsibility

No island

Proactive

The future-oriented mindset of Global Race for the Future is one of positivity. The scope is forward-looking with an appreciation of the long-term. The emergence of a new paradigm and fundamental shift in perception marks this decennium. Entirely novel systems, economies and approaches are invented to meet the demands for a habitable planet for future generations. Meaningful transformation takes at least fifteen years and it is crucial to be open to radically new ideas, to let go of outdated practices and mindsets that do not serve long-term interests.

Being analytical empowers people to take an active role both as consumers and as agents of change. Data and transparency are important to make comparisons and make better choices. There is a lot to learn about carbon footprint, water usage, waste generation and food. Being analytical can sometimes counter being emotionally attached, as it involves relying on data, logic, and reason to make decisions rather than solely on feelings or emotions. While emotions can be a powerful motivator for change, they can also lead to impulsive or ineffective decision-making. Balancing emotions with rational analysis is needed to make informed and effective decisions.

Innovative activists can play a critical role in shaping the future by challenging the status quo, introducing new ideas and approaches, and inspiring others to act. By thinking creatively and strategically, innovative activists can identify novel solutions to complex problems and generate momentum for change also from within their own industry. Human resilience should not be underestimated, it is a natural part of life.

Future Mindset

Global race for the future

Activists for change

Challenges

It is important to acknowledge the challenges come with significant shifts. The transition from feeling guilty about climate issues to taking action and adopting a conscious lifestyle can be a challenging one. An activist consumer prioritizes not buying anything new at all, and if so, it must be environmentally friendly products and services. Accountability is demanded from companies regarding their carbon footprint and ethical standards.

An active role

Playing an active role can be a powerful way for individuals to make a positive impact on the world around them. It is needed to recognize the evolving landscape of our world. The challenges we face, such as climate change and displacement, require us to be proactive in our approach to basic needs like water and shelter.

Photo by Adeib El Masri

EOS Series by Sean Lally

Real Utopias by Karen Ohanyan

Yuma, or the Land of Friends by Carolina Caycedo

Innovation

Technological advancements, climate change, demographic shifts, economic globalization and social and cultural changes will continue to reshape the world.

By investing heavily in the development of new technologies and fostering an innovative mindset, China has emerged as a major player in the tech industry such as 5G, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and solar energy.

The lesson to learn from China’s success in tech is the importance of investing in research and development to stay ahead, new technology and new uses of technology can lead to entirely new industries and economies.

An innovative mindset and culture are needed as well, this means encouraging and rewarding creativity and risk-taking and being open to new ideas and approaches. Accepting innovation and change often requires a combination of education, communication, a positive mindset, experimentation, and flexibility.

Many new jobs will be in technology and clean energy. Solar photovoltaics will provide the most jobs by 2050 (20 million, according to IRENA), followed by bioenergy, wind and hydropower. Almost two-thirds of all these jobs are in Asia. There is a lack of workforce but plenty of jobs. As all industries are changing, the impact on people can be significant. This shift can result in changes to the way people experience work and ever-evolving skill requirements.

Work

Future Mindset

Innovation

Part of the transition

Accountability

Navigating situations where your employer’s actions do not align with your future perspective and values can be challenging. People are more excited to work in an environment that is active and outspoken in its efforts to progress for a brighter future.

Alliances

By working together, groups and individuals can leverage their collective resources, knowledge, and networks to achieve greater impact than they could alone. This can involve sharing information and expertise, pooling resources, coordinating actions, and aligning messages and strategies.

Bio-lab set up by Sean T Ross

Bio Enginereed Silk by Cova Trujillo Mateos

The See Monster art installation, Weston Super-Mare, Somerset

MIT Solar Electric Vehicle Team

Adaptation

As the impacts of climate change become more apparent, athletes will likely experience several changes in the way they train, compete, and travel. It is a new world with a new climate and we will have to rethink seasons and the way we spend our holidays or go skiing.

Athletes will likely experience changes in the way they train, compete, and travel, as extreme weather events become more frequent, and temperatures rise. This could mean adjusting training schedules, changing competition venues or schedules.

For the Global Race for the Future, the connection to nature, the sun, and our energy is essential. Nature equals health; living according to our biology matters, according to the biological clock and natural rhythm, eating according to the seasons. People are conscious of their water use, air quality and microplastic issues. Time is spent in contact with nature through activities such as swimming, running and walking. Holidays are low impact, such as camping as leisure time unrelated to consuming or shopping.

One of the activities of Global Race for the Future mindset is to rethink consumption, to focus on maintenance by taking good care of possessions and repairing what is broken. Shopping means second-hand hunting. Extended producer responsibility is for everyone, also smaller businesses; think about the impact of what you create before you start.

Active

Adaptation

Without impact

Reduce

The transformation to new systems makes people hyper aware about energy use. They strive to be autonomous with and create local, CO2-neutral energy systems and deliver energy to a small circle around them. The distributed energy generation for local use can reduce the pressure on the electricity grid.

A new world

To truly progress, a culture must be cultivated that nurtures fellow human beings. This means investing in education and lifelong learning, creating spaces for collaboration and experimentation, and fostering a sense of purpose and meaning to make a genuinely worthwhile future.

Surfer by David Burdeny

Green Ferns On Black by Steve Miller

Les Menuires Grandes by Massimo Vitali

Beach II by Jill Peters

Vectiv by The North Face

A Weekend Under the Skies, event by Terri, China

For all

We are part of the whole, and our systems are interconnected. As people, it is hard to imagine the consequences of our actions impacting other parts of the world and the future. We have become disconnected from how and where our products are made or where our food is grown.

It is essential to understand these processes and make them more local to reconnect and make informed decisions. A sustainable future means moving away from the traditional economic model of extracting materials and towards the reusing, recycling, and repurposing of resources.

Energy abundance can have a significant impact on sustainability by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, which are finite resources that produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Access to abundant and affordable renewable energy sources can help mitigate climate change, reduce air pollution and improve public health.

It is important to ensure that energy abundance is achieved sustainably, with a focus on minimizing environmental impacts and preserving natural resources for future generations. Energy abundance should be equal for all and used wisely and efficiently, while also reducing the overall demand for energy.

Emphasizing the development of alternative energy sources that are clean, affordable, sustainable, and dependable, including solar, wind, and geothermal, can significantly shift the trajectory of our world towards a brighter and cleaner future. It is possible to achieve a sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure that meets the world’s present and future energy needs.

Society

For all

Humanity

Lifestyle changes

The world is constantly changing, and so are our challenges. It is important to stay informed and be willing to adapt your habits as new information becomes available.

Abundance

Climate change is often viewed from a Western perspective and as a global issue but rich countries are responsible for creating the problem while developing countries are the most vulnerable. Due to floods and droughts, it is harder to produce food, the price of food increases, and access becomes limited. Undernutrition is the largest health impact of climate change in the 21st century. The renewable energy transition might limit climate change but, in the meantime, those responsible must help by providing finance for adaptation.