Paper & Packaging Industry

Transformation instead of illusion: The devastating consequences of unreflected substitution in ecological systems

Saal C
Mittwoch, 11.09.2024, 14:45 - 15:10 Uhr

I am convinced that the world has not yet realized that incremental improvements, such as the reduction of CO2 emissions or the conservation of water, although they are required by regulations and have their justification, will only have a limited impact. Even if the entire planet were to immediately change its production and implement all sustainable measures, the noticeable effects on the biosphere would not be visible for another 50 to 100 years. This assumes that we successfully meet the challenges of increasing productivity and a growing world population. In the meantime, however, the consequences of current changes will continue and cannot be explained away by reports. These consequences will affect and unbalance societies and economies, and geopolitical tensions will increase. This shows that the measures taken so far do not change the system, but represent the continuation of a hara-kiri system under the guise of sustainability. It is therefore necessary to use common sense to rethink our systems and redesign them together. Only through rational action and profound systemic change can we successfully meet the challenges of the future.

Sprecher
Sophie Kieselbach (PEF GmbH)
Co-Sprecher
Arthur Erdem (IPEF GmbH)
"What if or when for sure! Sustainability is dead; long live rationality!" I firmly believe that the world still does not fully recognize the limited impact of incremental improvements, such as reducing CO2 emissions or saving water or resources in general. Although these measures are initiated by regulatory requirements and circular economy initiatives and have their justification, their impact is only selective and insufficient in the long term. Even if the entire planet were to completely change its production overnight and implement all sustainability measures, the noticeable effects on the biosphere would not be visible for another 50 to 100 years. However, this presupposes that we successfully master the challenges of increasing productivity and a growing world population at the same time. In the meantime, however, the consequences of the current global changes will continue unchanged. These consequences cannot be explained away by reports or political talk. They will have a significant impact on our societies and economic systems and will unbalance them. Geopolitical tensions will intensify as a result. For example, scarce resources such as water and food could lead to conflicts between nations, and economic instability could increase social unrest. It is therefore clear that all the measures taken to date will not be enough to change the system. Rather, the current destructive system merely continues under the guise of sustainability, which is ultimately doomed to failure. It is imperative that we use our common sense to critically rethink our systems and collectively redesign them. Real transformation requires profound, systemic changes that go beyond superficial, incremental improvements. This includes developing new economic models that are not based on endless growth, but on promoting prosperity and quality of life within planetary boundaries. It also means promoting technological innovations that are environmentally friendly and socially just, as well as creating political frameworks that support this transformation. Only through rational action and a comprehensive reorganization of our social and economic structures can we successfully master the diverse challenges of the future and achieve truly sustainable development. This requires a global consensus and a joint effort by all stakeholders - governments, companies and civil society - to secure a future worth living for generations to come. It is therefore crucial to create antifragile systems, and thus antifragile economies with antifragile companies, so that society has a profound perspective on the future.