Futures

The Role of Future Generations Commissioners in Climate Action and Policy Making, (from page 20220118.)

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Summary

Sophie Howe, the first future generations commissioner in Wales, represents the interests of future generations, providing long-term advice to the government, particularly regarding climate change. This role raises complex questions about how to advocate for those who will be born in the future. Howe emphasizes the importance of ensuring that today’s decisions do not compromise the wellbeing of future generations. The Welsh government enacted the Future Generations Act in 2015, mandating public bodies to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions. Howe’s work has influenced policies to prioritize sustainability and ecological resilience. The article also highlights the role of youth in climate activism and the importance of including their voices in decision-making processes. Legal actions, citizen assemblies, and traditional decision-making methods like seventh-generation thinking are discussed as ways to consider future generations in today’s policies.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Future Generations Commissioner Establishment of a role to advocate for future generations’ interests in Wales. Shift from short-term policy focus to long-term sustainability considerations. More countries may adopt similar roles to ensure future generations’ voices are heard in policy-making. Growing recognition of the impact of today’s decisions on future generations’ wellbeing. 4
Youth Climate Activism Increase in climate lawsuits and activism led by younger generations. Shift from adult-led climate discussions to youth-led activism and legal actions. Youth voices may significantly shape climate policies and legal frameworks globally. Rising climate anxiety among youth and their desire for impactful change. 5
Seventh-Generation Decision Making Adoption of long-term thinking practices inspired by indigenous cultures. Transition from immediate gratification in decision-making to long-term ecological considerations. Wider implementation of long-term planning in governance and community projects. Interest in sustainable practices and respect for indigenous knowledge. 4
Citizen Assemblies for Long-Term Thinking Use of citizen assemblies to incorporate long-term perspectives in policy-making. Shift from traditional political processes to more inclusive, long-term focused decision-making. Citizen assemblies may become a standard practice for addressing complex issues like climate change. Desire for more democratic and participatory governance models. 4
Legal Cases for Future Generations Emergence of legal actions focusing on protecting the rights of future generations. Transition from reactive to proactive legal strategies regarding climate action. Legal frameworks may evolve to better protect future generations’ rights and interests. Increasing public awareness and concern over the impacts of climate change on future generations. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Representation of Future Generations The challenge of ensuring that the interests of future generations are represented in today’s political and decision-making processes. 5
Long-term Climate Impact The long-term consequences of current climate actions, including ecological degradation that future generations will inherit. 5
Intergenerational Climate Justice The need to balance the responsibilities of current generations with the rights of future generations to a healthy environment. 4
Youth Climate Anxiety The high levels of anxiety among youth regarding climate change and their future, affecting mental health and societal participation. 4
Inequality in Advocacy The diminished voice and representation of young people in climate discussions compared to older generations. 4
Legal System Ineffectiveness The inadequacy of existing legal frameworks to adequately protect the rights of future generations from climate impacts. 5
Indigenous Knowledge and Practices The potential loss of valuable indigenous practices that emphasize long-term environmental stewardship. 3
Short-term Political Focus The tendency of political systems to prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, compromising future wellbeing. 5
Growing Environmental Disparities Increasing disparities in climate impact and response among different generations and communities, particularly affecting marginalized groups. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Future Generations Commissioning Establishing roles like future generations commissioners to advocate for the interests of future generations in policy-making. 5
Intergenerational Climate Activism Youth-led movements demanding accountability for climate change impacts and representing future generations’ interests in decision-making. 5
Seventh-Generation Decision Making Utilizing traditional knowledge from indigenous cultures to make decisions considering impacts seven generations ahead. 4
Citizen Assemblies for Long-Term Perspectives Employing citizen assemblies as a model for decision-making that prioritizes long-term impacts over short-term political cycles. 4
Climate Litigation Increasing use of legal action to compel governments to act on climate change in consideration of future generations’ rights. 4
Youth Participation in Climate Policy Integrating youth voices in climate discussions and policy-making to ensure future generations are represented. 5
Sustainability Legislation Implementing laws that require public bodies to consider the sustainability of their decisions for future generations. 5
Global Spread of Future Generations Acts Adopting similar legislative frameworks around the world to ensure protection for future generations. 5

Technologies

name description relevancy
Future Generations Commissioner A role established to advocate for the interests of future generations, influencing policy and decision-making regarding climate and sustainability. 5
Seventh-Generation Decision Making A concept from indigenous cultures that involves making decisions based on their impacts seven generations into the future. 4
Future Design A modern movement inviting residents to plan for their communities by considering the perspectives of future inhabitants from 2060. 4
Citizen Assemblies Deliberative bodies that can take a longer-term perspective on issues compared to regular politicians, not bound by short-term election cycles. 4
Climate Litigation Legal actions aimed at enforcing climate action and accountability for future generations, increasingly used by youth activists. 5
Universal Basic Income A proposed economic policy providing all citizens with a regular, unconditional sum of money to ensure basic living standards. 3
National Nature Service A proposed initiative for engaging citizens in environmental conservation and sustainability efforts. 3
Home Energy Efficiency Measures Strategies and technologies aimed at improving the energy efficiency of homes to reduce environmental impact. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Intergenerational Representation Need for systems to represent future generations’ interests in decision-making processes. 5
Climate Anxiety Among Youth Increasing levels of anxiety in young people regarding the impacts of climate change on their futures. 4
Legal Action for Future Generations Emergence of climate lawsuits aimed at protecting the rights of future generations. 4
Sustainability Definitions and Practices Revisiting and redefining sustainability in the context of long-term ecological impacts. 4
Indigenous Knowledge and Long-term Thinking Integration of indigenous practices and long-term decision-making strategies in climate action. 3
Youth Participation in Climate Discourse Need for greater inclusion of youth voices in climate policy discussions and actions. 4
Future Generations Commissioners Growth of roles similar to Wales’ future generations commissioner in various regions globally. 4
Seventh-generation Decision Making Adoption of long-term impact assessment practices influenced by indigenous decision-making principles. 3