John Elkington’s lecture primarily focuses on the topic of capitalism and sustainability as the key factors for ensuring the future of humanity. The main idea revolves around the fact that the current system is highly unsustainable due to the paradigm of exponential growth. In other words, an ordinary person’s thinking capability is highly challenged at the notion of an exponential increase in both markets and climate risks.
One of the most interesting and striking moments was the proposition of systemic change in regards to the United Nations’ (UN) goals. For example, the speaker states that the UN aims to end hunger and poverty, but the realistic way to achieve these objectives is based on eradicating or transforming the capitalistic system (John D. Gerhart Center). In other words, one can agree that it is the market structure itself that facilitates the persistence of these issues. It is evident that the current attempts and efforts are mere actions forced to act nicer and kinder. However, the problems need to be viewed as symptoms of a dysfunctional and unsustainable economic model and not separate issues. Contrary to Elkington’s optimistic views, it seems that the delayed realization of the proposed ideas will lead to irreparable damage, which might not be regenerated in the future.
In conclusion, the capitalistic system can be considered broken and no longer sustainable. The exponential nature of growth, production, and consumption cannot be preserved and maintained in a world with limited resources. Although human understanding of such a trend might be hindered, it is important to advocate for early action to avoid crossing the point of non-return. Sustainability efforts need to be put now to reduce the accelerated increase of climate abnormalities.
Work Cited
“Session #33 John Elkington:”‘Green Swans’ Solutions and Market Trajectories to Sustainability.”YouTube, uploaded by John D. Gerhart Center. 2020, Web.