As I am writing my debut book on the constructive society, I am looking for great real-life examples of building up a sustainable livelihood for all. The EU and Africa could have an important role to play in connecting the global village. Directing one's energy to make others stronger. A policy of confidence in our shared future. The German organization Desertec in many ways is an extraordinary example of what we can achieve, if we commit ourselves to creating a compassionate and dynamic world society. What in the short term may cost the richer part of the world a lot, will in the end energize them too. Power shared is powerful. This is the message.
Climate change is a hot political topic at this moment and probable for a longtime to come. Structural answers are needed to stop the damage we're doing to the planet and to restore its natural beauty. Long-term system thinking is what's necessary. There are no quick fixes. Governments and people have to commit themselves for a longtime to come. The sooner we start the less valuable time we lose. A critical clock is ticking. We're in the red zone. The world greatest scientists have concluded the following crucial point in the IPCC 2013 Climate Change report: "Most aspects of climate change will persist for many centuries even if emissions of CO2 are stopped."
Compare it to your house being on fire. First you have to extinguish the fire, then you can start rebuilding or repairing the house. Fortunately for us, this comparison of mine is not completely accurate. We can do some rebuilding of our Earthly House now, even if the CO2-fire has not been stopped yet. It is called ecosystem restoration. By investing and taking care of nature we will give it the push it needs to (re)generate a green oasis. But, even in the deserts we can work together with nature to the benefit of mankind. Reducing CO2 emissions, creating more harmony among humans, realizing a global sustainable energy source and at the same time giving the African (and world) economy a super boost. Meet the wonderful Desertec.
Concentrating a massive amount of solar panels in the deserts of Africa, which eventually has the potential to supply energy to the whole world. Just imagine the possibilities. The technology to store the surplus of energy which is not used during the day already exists. This energy can be used at night when the solar panels are taking a break. There are also cables which can transport the energy from the deserts of Africa to everywhere in the world without to much energy lose. I am not talking science fiction here my friends. This is possible! But, it's going to take a long term commitment from countries, political leaders, business leaders and social organizations. The coordination by and between different political leaders from different countries is essential for the success of these kinds of ambitious projects. Those politicians who love to quote Mandela, King and Gandhi, should not forget the responsibility of doing the imagined better, that comes with their message of love for all humans and whole humankind. And me and you have a responsibility in that too. We're all the next generation. Every living human being on this planet on this moment.
I will end this article as I will start my book (in the making):
"We can succeed only by concert. It is not 'can any of us imagine better?' but, 'can we all do better?' The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise -- with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country."
To think in a new way or manner is the result of a process and not a gift from the skies. It takes mental effort and time. Even for a great man like Abraham Lincoln.