System Levels

Next time you see a corporate or government claim about "sustainability" see if you can place it in one of these system levels.

In my observation, most claims fall into those along the top: PRODUCT, COMPANY, SOCIETY.

Rarely do we encounter an honest depiction of the global picture, that we - i.e. all of humanity - must somehow limit our draw on ecological stocks and flows. The other three levels do not guarantee this. Fixing leaks, better-managing flows, and ensuring equity... these are noble goals that must ultimately fit within our one Earth System.

As we cheer for sustainability plans, new technologies, and poverty-alleviation efforts, let's not forget to grapple with that last and most difficult part - the One Earth System.