The Best Time to Plant a Tree: Embracing Futurism for Climate Action

This blog provides a brief introduction to Futurism and explores the intersection of futurism, community empowerment, and traditional knowledge in addressing climate change. By empowering local communities and recognizing their unique challenges, tailored and sustainable climate solutions can be implemented, while also reducing inequality. Ultimately, futurism plays a critical role in shaping a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for future generations.

By Gregory Loui

Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of our time, demanding immediate and concerted action from individuals, communities, and governments alike. As the well-known saying goes, according to Susan Ratcliffe in the Oxford Treasury of Sayings and Quotations, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” (Ratcliffe 2011) This adage encapsulates the urgency and importance of taking proactive steps towards mitigating the effects of climate change. The endeavor to plant seeds of change now in order for abundance to materialize later is practiced by Indigenous Peoples.

For example, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) share wisdom across generations through ʻōlelo noʻeau (traditional sayings), such as, Ako ʻe ka hale a paʻa, a i ke komo ana mai o ka hoʻoilo, ʻaʻole e kulu i ka ua o Hilinehu. The metaphor described in Hawaiian language advises thatching the house before the winter comes, in order to prevent leaks known to seep through the pili (n. Heteropogon contortus) grass from the strong Hilinehu (winter month in the Hawaiian Islands) rains. The saying is clear for those who know the kaona (hidden meaning): Do not procrastinate; make preparations for the future now. Whether ecosystem management or disaster planning for their people, Indigenous futurism plays (and has played) a pivotal role, providing a framework for envisioning and building a sustainable and climate-resilient futures.

Futurism, an ever-evolving discipline at the intersection of technology, science, and human imagination, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the potential trajectory of our world. Encompassing a range of visionary perspectives, futurism examines emerging trends, technological breakthroughs, and societal shifts to map out different possibilities for our world. From advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics to transformative leaps in medicine and space exploration, futurists strive to anticipate and analyze the profound impact these developments may have on our lives, economies, and the very core of humanity. Drawing from a rich foundation of scientific knowledge and speculative conjecture, futurism ignites our collective curiosity, challenging us to contemplate the vast possibilities that lie ahead in an ever-accelerating world.

How is Futurism helpful in fighting climate change?

Futurism, as a discipline, encompasses a set of core principles that are particularly relevant to climate action. It emphasizes foresight, innovation, and adaptability, urging us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and make informed decisions in the present to address them before they become major issues (UK Government Office of Science 2017). Futurism also encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking, recognizing that addressing climate change requires diverse perspectives and expertise.

By fostering a culture of collaboration, futurism brings together professionals from various fields to exchange knowledge and develop holistic strategies for mitigating climate risks and building sustainable systems. Moreover, futurism encourages the exploration and adoption of technologies and practices that can accelerate progress towards climate goals. It inspires us to seek out cutting-edge innovations, such as renewable energy technologies, sustainable materials, and circular economy models, which can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable future.

By embracing futurism, we can foster a mindset that values proactive measures towards climate resilience and sustainability.

In the broader realm(s) of futurism, a multitude of visions and subsets exist, each carrying its own significance. Among these subsets, Indigenous futurism holds particular relevance for the Institute for Climate and Peace. For these communities, including our own, the preservation and prosperity of the environment, as passed down through generations, assumes a sacred responsibility that hinges on collective sustainability. Indigenous communities — imbued with a longstanding tradition of forward thinking — find themselves fighting for their future in the face of the mounting impacts of climate change. It is the unfortunate reality that climate change disproportionately burdens Indigenous peoples. In light of these challenges, many have turned to the exploration and investment in Indigenous voices, using past wisdom to address present problems.

Josefa Cariño Tauli, a Ibaloi-Kankanaey Igorot youth and a Steering Committee Member and Policy Co-coordinator of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network, emphasizes the value of Indigenous voices, saying “indigenous peoples embody the value of reciprocity with nature and each other, of knowing that we have the responsibility to sustain that which sustains us. This is something that everyone should learn from, and quickly, at this crucial window of opportunity to safeguard a sustainable and just future for all” (United Nations Youth Envoy 2021). These resounding words from Josefa Cariño Tauli encapsulate the urgency with which we must heed the wisdom of Indigenous peoples. As climate change intensifies its grip on the planet, threatening ecosystems and communities, the Indigenous perspective emerges as a guiding light, illuminating pathways towards a sustainable and just future.

Josefa Cariño Tauli, a Ibaloi-Kankanaey Igorot youth and a Steering Committee Member and Policy Co-coordinator of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network, emphasizes the value of Indigenous voices, saying, “indigenous peoples embody the value of reciprocity with nature and each other, of knowing that we have the responsibility to sustain that which sustains us. This is something that everyone should learn from, and quickly, at this crucial window of opportunity to safeguard a sustainable and just future for all.”

How Indigenous Futurism elevates communities

One fundamental aspect of Indigenous futurism is the recognition and elevation of the inherent wisdom, power, and ingenuity of Indigenous communities. It is crucial to amplify the active role smaller communities play in climate action. While reducing carbon emissions on a global scale is vital, it is equally essential to encourage and support a myriad of smaller climate change initiatives on the local level. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by different communities, we can tailor solutions that address their specific needs. Planting trees and installing solar panels, while important, may not be the comprehensive answer in every context nor environment. Moreover, such solutions may not be the ones derived from the community’s own urgent priorities. Thousands of small community-led initiatives can contribute to a more sustainable future by adding up globally and creating significant social co-benefits. Furthermore, by investing in economically oppressed communities, we can also reduce inequality and promote long-awaited justice.

Examples of Indigenous Futurism in action

Balancing innovation and traditional knowledge is another key aspect of futurism in climate action. Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems and ancient cultural technologies have a profound understanding of sustainable land use, agriculture, and ecosystem management. Their expertise, combined with modern technology and innovation, can lead to effective and culturally sensitive solutions. There are many regenerative farms across the world that are experimenting with combining solar panels with traditional foods or reintroducing native plants to depleted farmland.

For a larger scale example, the Guarani Mbya people, residing in the Jaraguá Indigenous Territory in Brazil, are reviving the once-vast Atlantic Forest (Grossman 2022). Recognizing the crucial role of bees in forest restoration, they have reintroduced pollinators through wooden hives. This approach aligns with conventional scientific findings, emphasizing the importance of bee populations in tropical forest conservation. However, the Guarani Mbya face challenges such as lack of financial support and inadequate government recognition of their land rights. Balancing technology with traditional knowledge can create synergies that foster sustainable practices while respecting Indigenous cultures and traditions.

Another exemplary demonstration of the value of Indigenous and traditional knowledge in promoting sustainable land use, agriculture, and ecosystem management can be found in the ancient Mesoamerican practice known as chinampas (Kasprak 2022). The Indigenous people of Mesoamerica created floating islands that served as agricultural plots, enabling them to cultivate crops, rear animals, hunt, and forage. These chinampas not only provided sustenance but also played a vital role in preserving biodiversity. Today, a similar concept is being employed in various cities worldwide through the use of artificial islands called floating wetlands (Raven 2022). These innovative structures, filled with grasses and sedges, act as filters in urban waterways, absorbing contaminants and supporting aquatic life.

Just like the chinampas, these floating wetlands contribute to sustainable land use, offer habitat for wildlife, and help purify stormwater and wastewater. Furthermore, the chinampas and floating wetlands serve as sanctuaries for numerous species, including the critically endangered axolotl salamander, which is renowned for its remarkable regenerative abilities. By recognizing and incorporating Indigenous and traditional knowledge, we can harness ancient wisdom to address contemporary environmental challenges.

Futurism also highlights the significance of positive peacebuilding in addressing climate change. By addressing the root causes of conflict and violence, we can promote climate resilience and sustainability. Violence can become an all-too-easy option in the face of climate-related challenges. As Dr. Maya Soetoro, co-founder of the Institute for Climate and Peace, notes that communities with low positive peace levels have a natural disaster mortality rate 13 times higher than those with high levels of positive peace. In her words, this is “the foundation that the Institute for Climate and Peace and the work of our many partners is built on this notion of climate resilience and the resilience of communities as something that will lessen the adverse impacts of climate change, and will allow us to impact policy at every level — local, national and global — that will increase global climate resilience in a way that is about moving beyond technical solutions, and is about deep respect and knowledge for the work that is happening out there” (Soetoro 2022). By fostering peaceful and inclusive societies, we can create an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and collective action towards a sustainable future.

While much of the talk on climate change is focused on the impact on our ecosystems and communities, climate change has significant economic implications. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently released a report detailing the potential impact of unchecked global warming on the US federal budget. Based on current warming trends, the report estimates that the economy could shrink by up to 10% by the end of this century, leading to an annual loss of approximately $2 trillion.

Additionally, the cost of federal disaster-related programs could increase from $25 billion to $128 billion by the end of the century due to intensified extreme weather events (Benshoff 2022). However, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy offers economic benefits, with an Oxford University study suggesting potential savings of up to more than $15 trillion by 2050 (Way 2022). Investing in a green economy is not only essential for addressing climate change but also for long-term economic stability, highlighting the importance of long term thinking and therefore futurism on a capital basis.

Based on current warming trends, the report estimates that the economy could shrink by up to 10% by the end of this century, leading to an annual loss of approximately $2 trillion…However, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy offers economic benefits, with an Oxford University study suggesting potential savings of up to more than $15 trillion by 2050.

Futurism stands as a force in shaping our collective response to the pressing issue of climate change. By balancing the urgency of the present with a farsighted vision, it implores us to not only inspire and motivate immediate action but also to hold future generations at the forefront of our endeavors. Embracing the core tenets of community empowerment, innovation, and Indigenous knowledge, we possess the potential to construct a world that is not only more sustainable but also just and equitable for all.

Guiding our path towards a sustainable and resilient future, futurism leads us to proactively adopt measures that empower communities, drive innovation, and integrate traditional wisdom. The imperative lies in investing in a burgeoning green economy, addressing the root causes of conflict, and acknowledging the substantial economic toll of inaction. With the most opportune time to plant a tree is perhaps lost to the past, it is undeniably today that we must seize the moment and act decisively to plant seeds of change for the future.

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