A Call to Engagement

A Call to Engagement

In Prugh and Renner’s State of the World 2014: Governing for Sustainability, governments were criticized for their indecisiveness and inaction while citizens were encouraged to engage in activities such as protests that would require the positive response towards sustainability from those with political power. They explain that business corporations operate for their own benefit; in order for change to occur, citizens must influence the government to create new policies that would make sustainable actions a requirement. Four different scopes in ideals that would lead to sustainable development are proposed: personal, local, national, and international. For sustainable future, one must first consider their own actions and impacts on the environment and try to leave as small as an impact as possible. Secondly, individuals must unite in communities to develop organizations that would push this initiative forward. Thirdly, the government must take reasonable action in negotiating at a national level minimize internal causes to damaging the environment. Lastly, the requirement for international cooperation is emphasized; they have also proposed the idea that having a more even distribution of genders in the government would be beneficial in developing and sustaining new views. Because we live in a democracy, progress must be dictated by the people. For any action to occur, the citizens must step up and create a demand for sustainability.