Steve Thairu Mbaki

Ecological Redirection and its Importance in Creating a Sustainable Future

An ecology of dismantling, non-desirable and far from the green and luminous clichés. Companies will save us! This is a false notion that is being spread to have the “desirable future.” We need to return to what is known and deemed undesirable. Positioning and learning show our relationship to everything in the Anthropocene and the coexistence with organisations. There is a dependence on these existing infrastructures in the same way as dependence on nature “healing” itself. If we cut this dependence on the technosphere in the short-term human beings will be the losers.  If we do not cut it in the medium term, humans would lose again. That is why we need to act fast.

Ecological redirection refers to the shift towards more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices and policies in various sectors of society. It involves renouncing or changing the direction of activities that have negative impacts on the environment and promoting the conservation and restoration of ecosystems. We will look at its importance and the need for collective efforts to achieve a sustainable future.

Ecological redirection requires a collective effort from individuals, businesses, governments, and organisations to adopt more environmentally responsible behaviours and policies. It necessitates renouncing disruptive practices and implementing new technologies and sustainable systems. Moreover, it calls for changes in consumer behaviour and lifestyles to reduce waste and carbon footprint. Education and awareness-raising campaigns are crucial for promoting environmental consciousness and inspiring action.

The primary goal of ecological redirection is to achieve a more sustainable and equitable society that respects the ecological limits of the planet and ensures the well-being of both humans and the environment. There are several reasons why ecological redirection is important. Biodiversity conservation: Ecological redirection can help restore degraded ecosystems, leading to the conservation of biodiversity. By providing habitat for a wide range of species, including threatened and endangered ones, restored ecosystems contribute to the preservation of Britain’s rich biodiversity. Climate change mitigation: Restored ecosystems have the capacity to sequester carbon and mitigate climate change. For example, restoring wetlands and forests enables carbon storage in the soil and biomass, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ecosystem services: Restored ecosystems offer a range of crucial ecosystem services, such as water purification, nutrient cycling, and soil conservation. These services are essential for human well-being and support sustainable development. Cultural and spiritual values: Ecological redirection can restore cultural and spiritual values associated with ecosystems. Many indigenous communities consider ecosystems as central to their identity, culture, and spirituality. By restoring these ecosystems, we honour and preserve these important cultural and spiritual connections. Economic benefits: Restored ecosystems can generate economic benefits, such as ecotourism, recreation, and sustainable resource use. These benefits contribute to supporting local economies and improving livelihoods while aligning with environmentally-friendly practices.

To achieve ecological redirection, it is necessary to critically examine and redirect our existing systems. The book Heritage and Closure emphasises the importance of renouncing elements that hinder the necessary transformations in our ways of living. This redirection entails addressing strategic, technical, and methodological aspects, as well as political and democratic processes. It involves a survey and design process that dismantles undesirable elements and moves away from green and luminous clichés. A key aspect of ecological redirection is to question how we deal with activities that cannot be sustained. Arbitrations must be made, but the current undemocratic and harmful approaches need to shift towards more adaptable and equitable solutions. Closure processes should consider dependencies, such as jobs and the role of territories, avoiding neoliberal practices that prioritise profit maximisation at the expense of social and environmental well-being.

Organisations, teams, and professionals play a vital role in ecological redirection. They need to reinvent themselves, align around a new ambition, and build operations that bring more meaning and efficiency. This process requires preparing for the future, navigating through crises, and leading delicate changes. Ecological redirection is essential for achieving a sustainable future. It requires collective efforts from individuals, businesses, governments, and organisations to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours.