Producing a Better World

Abstract

There are always many different futures available, depending on social choices. These choices involve various costs and benefits, so they often have different impacts on different individuals or groups. There will be significant problems in moving from the current development trajectory, which clearly cannot be sustained, toward one that might be sustainable, as the changes will impose differential costs. Futures thinking provides a powerful way of considering our options and improving the chances that we will make rational, considered decisions. In particular, it allows consideration of the needs of those who cannot participate in the normal decision-making process, such as future generations. The use of futures thinking in a range of teaching, research, and consulting activities is described, demonstrating the benefits of the approach.

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