I'm currently in Costa Rica, a country that's home to an incredible 6% of the world's biodiversity. It's an absolute privilege to be here, exploring its captivating landscapes and engaging with local communities and businesses.
As someone who's passionate about sustainability, this experience has been both humbling and incredibly motivating. It's got me thinking about the work we do in sustainability, responsible sourcing, climate action and human rights. When our focus is on challenges - operational, financial and reputational risks, compliance, not meeting targets - it's easy to lose sight of the opportunities towards genuine sustainable progress.
Sadly, there's a prevailing sense of crisis and negativity that dominates our drive for sustainability. Just think about the news we read - they're often filled with criticism and pessimism, with many experiencing climate anxiety. It's something we might not even realise we're drawn to.Â
Sometimes I find myself skeptical about the actual progress being made. Are we all just talking without taking real action? Do targets matter if we keep missing them or if we achieve them without affecting real change (e.g. carbon offsetting schemes)?
By coincidence, I happened to bring Zahra Biabani's new book on "Climate Optimism" with me on this trip. It's an extensive review that presents compelling evidence to combat climate doomism and encourage action, which I highly recommend.
This book, combined with my experiences and conversations across Costa Rica - from the bustling capital San José to remote rural areas and national reserves - has reignited my optimism for sustainability.
As business leaders and sustainability professionals, it is crucial for us to shift our mindset and embrace sustainability optimism. By doing so, we can unlock its potential to bring about real transformation.
As business leaders and sustainability professionals, it is crucial for us to shift our mindset and embrace sustainability optimism.
Let me break down why sustainability optimism matters:
- Motivation and Inspiration: Sustainability optimism is contagious; it motivates and inspires. It pushes individuals, communities and businesses to take meaningful action towards sustainability. It engages a wider group of stakeholders and improves buy-in. It makes us believe that we can all contribute to it in some way.
- Overcoming Negative Bias: Sustainability optimism helps us break free from our natural tendency to focus on the negative. It shines a light on the progress we've already made. It shifts our attention towards solutions and opportunities.
- Fostering Innovation and Collaboration: When we approach sustainability with optimism, it sparks creativity and fosters collaboration and enable innovative solutions to tackle environmental and social challenges.
Sustainability optimism is more than a state of mind; it's a powerful force that propels us into action. We need to practice it and embrace it.
Francisca Sassetti
Photo credits: Francisca Sassetti
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