Home |  Contact UsSitemap

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Scenarios of Good Anthropocenes in southern Africa

Author: M. Hamanna,b, R. Biggsa,c, L. Pereiraa,c,d, R. Preisera, T. Hicherta,e, R. Blancharda,f, H. Warrington-Coetzeeg, N. Kingh, A. Merriec, W. Nilssoni, P.
Organisation: Elsevier Ltd
Publish Date: January 2020
Country: Africa
Method: Scenarios
Type: Journal
Language: English
Tags: Futures, Visions, Narratives, Complexity, Participatory process, Scenarios

In the rapidly changing and uncertain world of the Anthropocene, positive visions of the future could play a crucial role in catalysing deep social-ecological transformations to help guide humanity towards more sustainable and equitable futures. This paper presents the outcomes from a novel visioning process designed to elicit creative and inspirational future scenarios for southern Africa. The approach based scenario development on “seeds of good Anthropocenes”, i.e. existing initiatives or technologies that represent current, local-scale innovations for sustainability. A selection of seeds was used to create four distinct, positive visions in a participatory workshop process. Common themes that independently emerged in all four visions were i) decentralized governance and decision-making; ii) a strong emphasis on equity and empathy; iii) high levels of connectedness between people; and iv) a reinforced, respectful relationship with nature. The visions mainly differ in the extent of fusion between people and technology in everyday life, and how much nature plays a role in defining the human experience. The narratives presented here describe worlds that have undergone a more significant paradigm shift towards shared human values and stewardship of resources than is explored in most other ambient narratives for the region. These “Good Anthropocene” scenarios therefore demonstrate more radical, previously unimagined ways of thinking about sustainability futures on the African continent and beyond.
Located in: Resources
Powered by Sigsiu.NET
Foresight For Development - Funding for this uniquely African foresight site was generously provided by Rockefeller Foundation. Email Us | Creative Commons Deed | Terms of Conditions