Building a Sustainable Future: The Power of Rewards and Collective Responsibility

Addressing the profound challenges posed by climate change is no ordinary feat. Despite the urgency, it persists as a complex issue, exacerbated by a pervasive veil of greenwashing. Our commitment to environmental sustainability often appears genuine, but in reality, a significant portion of it remains superficial. Over the course of several decades, we have grown accustomed to an unsustainable way of life, making it arduous to break free from these ingrained habits. Consequently, our actions deviate from our words, our thoughts wander astray, and we find ourselves contradicting our own aspirations. We shield our eyes from the scorching reality, perpetuating a cycle where neglecting one Sustainable Development Goal inadvertently impacts others, creating a comprehensive cover-up.

The magnitude of the sustainable development goals and the overarching challenge of sustainability and climate change render them more than just another corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. They represent a pressing business imperative, poised to become one of the most substantial ventures. Curiously, one may question why, despite their vast economic potential, we still struggle to achieve these goals. The answer lies in the formidable barriers to success that lie ahead. The path to progress relies on the infusion of investment and innovation—both in terms of capital and time, as well as process and ideation. However, until we fully acknowledge the intrinsic interdependence between humans and nature, all such investments and advancements will prove insufficient. In our relentless pursuit of immediate financial gains, we have regrettably forgotten the profound symbiotic relationship that binds us to the natural world.

Ironically, the reluctance of individuals to embrace environmentally friendly alternatives stems from the perception that sustainability comes at a premium, rendering it economically unfeasible without a tangible "green premium.

However, the repercussions of this resistance to change and the relentless pursuit of short-term gains manifest in severe penalties, such as escalating instances of extreme weather conditions, geopolitical instability resulting from mass migrations, mounting pressure on urban infrastructure, and disruptions in the global supply chain. While these penalties may initially seem intangible, their numerical impact far surpasses the capacities of any wallet or balance sheet.

It is crucial to recognize that these challenges extend beyond qualitative concerns. Market regulatory measures like carbon taxes, though seen as initiatives to curtail environmental damage, often fall short in their effectiveness. Consequently, adherence to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) assumes greater significance than mere Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, transforming it into an essential business imperative rather than a mere corporate social responsibility initiative.

The attainment of sustainable development goals hinges upon our ability to inspire individuals and #society at large to take specific actions. One exemplary initiative that ignites motivation is the "Save Soil" campaign led by Sadhguru. To fuel this motivation, we can employ either a carrot-based (reward) approach or a stick-based (punishment) approach. Neuroscience corroborates that the reward-based method outperforms punishment in fostering motivation. While the stick approach may yield compliance, it lacks the power to truly inspire. This principle extends to the operation of carbon taxes, carbon offsets, and green premiums. Implementing a carbon price primarily functions as a punitive measure, while funding any of the 169 sub-goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or supporting #carbon offsets provides a rewarding incentive.

The strategies adopted by countries, the regulatory frameworks in place, the actions taken by companies, and the widening rural-urban divide can all contribute to the emergence of new opportunities and even foster the birth of new businesses. The initial benefits reaped by early adopters often entice others to follow suit. However, if this trajectory continues unchecked, it will inevitably lead to a detrimental cycle, placing undue strain on finite resources in the near future. Therefore, it becomes paramount to establish a system that effectively deters such behavior through incentivizing rewards rather than punitive measures.

Does this imply that we have failed as a collective, as a society, or even as a nation?

Does it mean that the attainment of sustainable development goals is an impossible feat?

Does it suggest that we are powerless to halt or reverse climate change?

While the answer may appear to lean towards a pessimistic "yes" at first glance, it is not entirely accurate. We still have a fighting chance, but only if we approach the challenge inclusively. It is imperative to exchange the "stick" for the "carrot" and shift our focus towards incentivizing positive action. If we persist in investing more in human-made solutions rather than embracing natural ones to tackle issues like carbon emissions, our prospects for success will dwindle. Moreover, only by recognizing the intricate interdependencies between humans, nature, and biodiversity can we hope to avert an impending crisis before time runs out.

As we navigate through this transformative period, it is paramount that we hold ourselves accountable for our actions. Urgently, we must strive to motivate individuals to awaken their dormant human consciousness and actively participate in creating a better world together. One exemplary initiative that fosters this collective effort is FloCard.

FloCard is the culmination of years of experimentation, adaptation, and growth. It is a user-friendly platform that empowers individuals, groups, organizations, governments, and companies to align with the hashtag#Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a simple, one-click process. In the next sixty seconds, you have the power to make a significant impact by creating your FloCard and joining this collective endeavor.

At its core, FloCard is driven by People, Purpose, Process, Planet, Practice, and Profit.

Join the #BetterPlanetToday campaign at FloCard!