By: Nour Attalla
Are you also overwhelmed by the constant negativity surrounding our future, the talk of how we need to stop this, reduce that…? So many narratives, especially in the media, are about the break-down of old systems and ways of living.
But the problem is that this is only half the story of change.
The X-curve, developed by the Dutch research institute for transitions (DRIFT), fills in this other half. It acknowledges that while systems break down (destruction), new ideas and solutions simultaneously emerge (creation). Imagine the rise of renewable energy amidst the loss of fossil fuels, or maybe the growth of recycled, sustainable consumerism, whilst fast fashion fizzles.
Using the x-curve approach to the future allows us to look at how we can make the world a better place, and what seeds of hope already exist today, even if the old ways seem so dominant.
It is much easier to say what we are against than to say what we are for. The destruction of old systems creates chaos and flashy media headlines, whilst progress is often made slowly behind the scenes.
Still, contributing to new systems does not need to be a massive sacrifice, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution for our global crises. And the key to creating changes in the way we live is to experiment with the possible alternatives and choosing the ones that align best with our own needs.
We can’t change the world on our own, but we can contribute to sustainable communities, narratives, and businesses, to amplify trends towards a future we want to live in.
At Next Era we also aim to contribute to this goal. Only focusing on the breakdown creates a biassed view of where our world is actually headed. Tools like the x-curve remind us of our role in creating the future, and how meaningful change comes slowly.
Slowly, and together, we aim to build this narrative of creation, to explore what the lives of our generation could one day look like, if only we dare to believe, and start changing today.
Creating your own sustainable changes using the X-curve
- Identify one issue that you would like to make a change in (e.g. clothing, food, travel).
- Identify where the systemic problems come from (Google is your friend here).
- List the unsustainable systems that you want to stop contributing to, and what role they play.
- List sustainable alternatives that can fulfil the same purpose in your life.
- Find local communities or businesses that provide these alternatives and try them out.
- Add these alternatives to your routine and slowly phase out the old system where you can.
See DRIFT’s comprehensive X-curve guide for in-depth details.
