The god of the transition (n.1)

You are on the threshold of the new year. Like the Roman god Janus (from whom January takes its name), you have two heads: one looking back at the #past, and one looking forward to the #future, and you have a #key in your hand.

Janus is the god of #change and #transition, the god of #beginnings and #endings. His two faces represent the ability to see both sides of a situation. In the context of transition, Janus reminds us that we must be mindful of the past as we move into the future. We must learn from our mistakes and successes to create a better future.

Janus is also the god of gates and doorways. Like Janus, you hold a key to open new #doors: you have the power to create your futures.

Following the example of Janus - at the beginning of 2024 - we can consider ourselves at the threshold of our sustainability path. How can we advance to a higher stage?

My tips and exercises for next month:

1 . Reflect: what are you looking for in the next 3 months in your sustainability journey? And what is your main challenge?

Try to answer it in the comment section below (I will do it too!). Real practice enhances your learning and provides the opportunity to get feedback from the community. Vulnerability is a bonus that sparks deeper value.

2. Learn something about the #PAST

In the past 150 years, we experienced what scientists call "The great acceleration". The hockey stick graphs in the video can help you grab the dramatic and ongoing surge in human activity since the mid-20th century.

The Great Acceleration's explosive growth in population, resource use, and pollution is reshaping our planet, but at a cost: climate change, mass extinctions, and dwindling resources threaten the foundations of life on Earth.

January is the 2024 door and - to mimic Janus - we should also take a look at our recent past. The best way to take inspiration from 2023 is to listen to the Top 10 Good Climate News Stories of 2023 podcast by Assaad Razzouk and restore our trust in humanity.

3. Inspire people to vote for a just #FUTURE

In 2024 the future is closer than ever. Half the world's population in more than 40 countries will elect new leaders in 2024.

"Every vote matters more this year than perhaps any time in history." Jane Goodall

The power of the vote is underrated. Just take a look at how Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon dropped by 50 percent in 2023 after Lula's government replaced Bolsonaro's. Every vote could tip the scales: usher in a sustainable future or push our planet closer to the brink.

Let us engage and wield our collective voice at the ballot box.

4. Educate yourself to unlock possible #DOORS

Climate change is complex, but knowledge is power. Look for the right opportunity for you to learn more about the science behind climate change, find your voice, and take action.

If you want to try it in a fun and supportive environment I suggest you join the interactive Climate Fresk workshop organized by Carlos Terol. The workshop will leave you equipped and ready to have your own conversation on how every decision is a climate decision.

Otherwise, here there is a more traditional learning experience to improve your sustainability skills (free LinkedIn learning course until Jan. 31).

5. Expand your #vision to shift your mind

In this podcast episode, Andrew Wanliss-Orlebar (Chief Strategy Officer for Futerra, a creative sustainable development agency), introduces the concept of the “brainprint” as a critical component of sustainability, alongside the traditional environmental footprint. The brainprint explores how industries can influence people through messaging.

And this is why "we need to become mindful of the way we’re being manipulated" as researcher Joseph Merz advises. Find the time to read his new paper which proposes that climate breakdown is a symptom of ecological overshoot, which in turn is caused by the deliberate exploitation of human behaviour.

Merz and colleagues believe that most climate “solutions” proposed so far only tackle symptoms rather than the root cause of the crisis. This, they say, leads to increasing levels of the three “levers” of overshoot: consumption, waste and population.

6. Create #connections

To achieve the Just Transition we aim for, we must collaborate, create bridges, and share intuitions. In this post by Daniel Hill an impressive list of communities of inspiring open-minded people (a lot of value in the comments too!) you can consider joining.

Looks like a lot of work to do in February - Let me know your comments!

If you find this content useful share it with your network!

Best, Laura