Brundtland Report Revisited: Toward a New Humanist Agenda

In the spirit of the Brundtland Report, the article singles out not only the profound institutional and cultural barriers to accomplishing a more sustainable development, but reflects on several of the necessary radical steps and strategies: the transformation of capitalism, the transformation of politics and regulation, the restructuring of science and education, and a revolution in culture. The article points out several untapped forms of education, in part viewing society as a learning system where a multitude of small actions can make a major difference. It ends with a tentative proposition of a new humanist agenda for a sustainable future. In general, the article addresses the challenge of transforming the complex aggregate of modern society - its cultural, economic, political and scientific components — in order to tackle dramatic environmental destruction.