In this timely exploration of sustainable actions, Christian Berg unpacks the complexity in understanding the barriers we face in moving towards a sustainable future, providing solution perspectives for every level, from individuals to governments and supra-national organizations offering a lucid vision of a long-term and achievable goal for sustainability.

While the 2030 Agenda has already set ambitious targets for humanity, it offers little guidance for concrete actions. Although much is already being done, progress seems slow and some actions aiming at sustainability may be counterproductive. Different disciplines, societal actors, governmental departments and NGOs attribute the slow progress to a number of different causes, from the corruption of politicians to the wrong incentive structures.

Sustainable Action surveys all the fields involved in sustainability to provide action principles which speak to actors of different kinds, not just those professionally mandated with such changes. It offers a road map to all those who might not constantly think about systems change but who are concerned and want to contribute to a sustainable future in a meaningful way.

This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of sustainability issues, as well as those looking for a framework for how to change their systems at work to impact the quadruple bottom line: environment, economy, society, and future generations.

About the Author

Christian Berg lectures on sustainability at different German universities (TU Clausthal, Saarland University, Kiel University). He has worked in business for more than a decade, among others as Chief Sustainability Architect at SAP. He has published several books on sustainability-related topics and has led the task force on Sustainable Economic Activity and Growth within German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Future Dialogue. He holds degrees in physics (Dipl.-Phys.), philosophy (MA), theology (Mag. Theol. and Dr Theol.), and engineering (Dr-Ing.). For further information, visit his website at www.christianberg.net.

Reviews

"Clearly our present approaches to achieving 'sustainability' are failing. And we are rapidly running out of time. This book offers a realistic, optimistic way forward based on complex systems thinking - multi-level approaches, reducing barriers, empowering actors through societies - all aimed at achieving the global societal tipping point that is required."
Will Steffen, Emeritus Professor, The Australian National University, Senior Fellow, Stockholm Resilience Centre

"After several years of passionate talking, here comes a book by Christian Berg grounded in ethical reasoning and critical concern for the common good, fair trade and justice for all. He convincingly gives practical and measurable steps which remove man-made barriers, lack of political will, citizens' inaction for sustainable development with the aim that no one will be left behind."
Monsignor Prof Obiora Ike, Executive Director, Globethics.net; President, Club of Rome, Nigeria Chapter

"An important contribution at a critical time. People stand up for the future everywhere. A transition towards sustainability needs, however, an integrated approach towards its barriers and concrete guidance. This book is made so valuable due to its discussion of both factors."
Professor Dr. Uwe Schneidewind, President and Chief Research Executive, Wuppertal Institute

Book Information
ISBN 9780367183219
Author Christian Berg
Format Paperback
Page Count 294
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g