DIFFICULT DIALOGUES

17 NOV | PANEL 1

Changing the Mindset

The difficulty lies, not in the new ideas, but in escaping from the old ones, which ramify, for those brought up as most of us have been, into every corner of our minds

— John Maynard Keynes

The 21st century has seen a huge range of extreme man made environmental disasters. Why and how have we reached at this stage?

At the core of this question is the fact that many of us are abusing the environment without considering the consequences. And even if we are thinking or are aware of the disastrous results, we are reluctant to change our lifestyles and consumption pattern significantly. We simply do not want to escape from our set ideas and comfort zone.

It is imperative that people across society recognizes the ecological limits of the planet and avoid not over-stretching the delicate balance of the ecosystems we all depend upon.

This panel will discuss how we can change the mindset of people to improve their understanding of the effect their actions have on the environment, and how we can prompt people into taking actions now that can help us all in the future. Panelists will focus on issues including:

How doing business differently i.e. changing the core business to become more sustainable (by improving supply chain, reducing carbon emissions, eliminating waste, changing financial model, or reducing impact on biodiversity) can send important signals to society of the need for change.

How inspiring the workforce to promote sustainability (for by promoting behavior change to reduce plastic use and cut carbon carbon) can help spread awareness and understanding more broadly.

How identifying, communicating an celebrating positive steps can have a huge impact, by showing the power of an individual, small community in bringing the change required for sustainable living.