Why the inter-generational imperative matters for action on Climate and Bio-diversity
When Néos Delta first came together, most of us retired “but not tired” from formal ways of working, we were curious, optimistic and worrried. Curious about what we might do together, optimistic that Néos Delta could be a way of applying our collective wisdom into new ways of problem solving, and worried about the magnitude and messiness of the world’s complex ‘wicked’ issues. And, that was before Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s ‘folie à deux’1 was inflicted on us, rapidly revealing themselves as an existential threat not just to the United States, but to the entire planet.
What can we do?
What on earth might be the pathways forward in the light of the above? Well, for this, ‘died in the wool’ activist, I cannot see how we can move forward without mindset change, vast mobilisation, and beyond this, new forms of radical collaboration and accountability.
What does this actually mean? In the most staightforward terms I can muster … I think it is this: new alliances of influence. Let’s say what might seem at first glance improbable: money and power meets energy and optimism of young activists, or money and power shores up the United Nations, or money and power defends Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, at the same time hiring and promoting on merit … entirely possible of course.
Practical actions
Let me give you a recent example of this. When Trump on day one of his presidency announced the withdrawal of the US from the UNFCCC Paris Agreement – the United Nations legally binding global process for redcucing greenhouse gases – immediate help was at hand. Michael Bloomberg, Media Baron and Philanthropist, immediately stepped in to cover the millions of US dollars in shortfall that the US government would normally pay. Further, 24 State Governors, both Republican and Democrat announced that under the auspices of the US Climate Alliance, they would continue on the pathway of meeting targets to reduce GHG emissions at least 50% -52% by 2030, on a 2005 basis, and by 61% – 66% by 2035. These are both excellent examples of radical collaboration – radical because these convergences were unexpected – and accountable – because this is not blah blah blah, the climate goals will be most likely be met, Michael Bloomberg will indeed pay up.
What might be the triggers for actions and investments in protecting our collective future? I am convinced that many of the most powerful men on earth, Corporate Board Chairs, and believe me, the vast majority of them are men … are in fact deeply concerned about the future of their grandchildren.
Yet, there are few occasions where these global Board Chairs, or immediately retired Board Chairs can productively engage in fruitful conversations with young people – about how to forge a sane, green, inclusive and financially viable world.
St. Gallen Symposium and The Club of Rome
At the international level there is some remarkable work being undertaken jointly by the the Club of Rome and the St. Gallen Symposium.
The St. Gallen Symposium is the world’s most relevant organisation and platform for cross-generational dialogue and collaboration. The Club of Rome, famous for its 1972 seminal report: The Limits to Growth, is a platform of diverse thought leaders who identify holistic solutions to complex global issues.
In their joint report: A New Generational Contract (2023) which drew its material from extensive surveys in all continents of the world, the authors reported the following:
“ On the one hand, our findings suggest that different generations appear stuck in a situation of mutual accusations; our survey showed that 76% of young people surveyed feel the older generation ignores their vital interests. At the same time, 50% of current decision-makers feel the younger generation demands too many sacrifices from the older generation.
However, our findings also give good reason for hope: In our survey, we asked both leaders of today and tomorrow how they would rate the chances of the older and younger generations working well together to solve future challenges. The chances of collaboration were either ‘rather high’ or ‘very high’ among 65% of tomorrow’s leaders and 77% of today’s. This shows the willingness of all generations to collaborate and the existing window of opportunity to develop a New Generational Contract. “
I have spoken to a participant of the St-Gallen Symposium, a young woman from India, who relayed to me at length, her conversation with European Billionaires. There lies the beginning of a radical collaboration, what comes next of course, is genuine agreement to continue the conversation.
The Néos Delta Perspective
Néos Delta want to see this work expand, but in a very particular context, to have the ‘long time’ five days, for elders and young people to get to know each other for example, in inspiring off the beaten track locations. This could be eco-villages in Senegal, or marine conservation projects in Mexico. We feel certain that these connections could be potentially life changing, leading to transformational change, however modest to begin with. Visit Radical Collaboration and Accountability on Climate and Nature for more information about a very special retreat we have designed to take this thinking forward.
Parting Thought
Finally, because I am a poet, I’m always going to end my blogs with a line or two of poetry. My choice today, because of the dark times we find ourselves in, is this wonderful line from Joy Harjo’s poem: Reconciliation, A Prayer:
“All acts of kindness are lights in the war for justice.”
Lynette Thorstensen
Co-founder & Company Director
Néos Delta
- “ Folie à deux refers to the presence of the same (or similar) delusional ideas in two persons closely associated with one another” Miriam-Webster Dictionary ↩︎
brilliant, thanks for sharing
Cheers Andrew
Great that this is up and running!
Fascinating definitely seems to imply aspirational generational quest. Best of good fortune .
Thank you very much John! We will keep you posted on progress 🙂