When voters chose to keep President Trump in office last year, it was apparent that deeper issues were at play beyond just economic concerns.
Many Americans are still dissatisfied with the country’s trajectory. In fact, last month, a significant 59% reported feeling unhappy with “the way things are going in the US.”
The divide in opinions on current issues is quite stark. Yet, there lacks a unifying vision or mission that can bridge these differences. No one seems to have put forth an alternative that resonates with the widespread feelings of insecurity, boredom, and frustration. There once was a sense of purpose; now, it feels rather elusive. And I don’t think that mirrors the vision Americans had during Trump’s early presidency.
If a majority are unhappy, it’s likely due to the notion that the U.S. isn’t the land of opportunities as it once was. About 90% of people might feel less secure in their physical and economic circumstances than before.
Evidence from science, along with increasing weather disasters, underscores that civilization appears to be heading towards a grim future. Trump may be accelerating this trend. Climate change is just one aspect among nine critical factors for sustainable living on our planet. We are already teetering outside safe limits.
What mission should we pursue? I’d like to discuss setting a dual purpose aimed at (a) equipping individuals with the necessary tools for success and (b) rebuilding societal cohesion. This would align with creating a safe operating space in this century.
For the first goal, let’s consider three economic and social frameworks.
The first is known as Darwin’s Capitalism. It essentially represents a cutthroat approach where the rich often manipulate systems to their advantage—rigging policies, dodging taxes, and opposing regulations. Their belief seems rooted in a conviction that they’re destined to maintain control.
Meanwhile, individuals lacking privilege face numerous obstacles. Poor education, accessible healthcare issues, and systemic barriers trap them in a cycle of disadvantage. Those living in what’s termed a “Sacrificial Zone” endure disproportionate losses from disasters and a tax system skewed to benefit the wealthy. How many potential innovators or artists might we miss among them?
Next, there’s Social Capitalism, akin to the approaches observed in Scandinavian nations—where citizens consistently report high levels of happiness. This system blends market dynamics with essential government services like universal healthcare and accessible education. It aims to provide everyone with a fair chance, though it doesn’t guarantee equal outcomes.
Success under Social Capitalism relies on hard work, supported by tools provided by the system. It also seeks to ensure that future generations inherit not just wealth, but a healthy planet and stable economy, in line with principles outlined in the US Constitution regarding rights for future generations.
Lastly, we can consider “Natural Capitalism” as a way to reconnect humanity with a healthy relationship to the Earth. The idea, championed by Hunter Robbins, aims to create a productive coexistence between society and nature.
The objectives include:
- Prioritizing renewable resources over finite ones. Adopting a circular economy means recycling and reusing materials.
- Implementing True Cost Accounting to accurately assess the real prices of goods and services, directing market forces and consumer habits towards better sustainability.
- Fostering a restoration economy to repair ecosystems, which, as noted by the Boston Federal Reserve Bank, has already created jobs and contributed significantly to the economy.
- Acknowledging nature’s intrinsic value and amending the Constitution to affirm the rights of nature.
- Integrating more green spaces in urban settings to provide city dwellers with the mental and physical benefits of nature, which can also mitigate extreme weather impacts.
- Relocating coastal infrastructure to protect against rising sea levels, as a significant amount of real estate could be at risk within decades.
- Re-committing to international environmental agreements that address global ecological challenges.
- Encouraging each generation to leave the planet better for those who come after. Author Robert McFarlane notes that many people suffer from a “shift in baseline syndrome,” where they measure ecological losses against increasingly degraded standards. He advocates for “lifting the baseline” to achieve ecological progress instead of accepting loss as normal.
These suggestions, among others, could guide the U.S. towards a new era in its relationship with the natural world, one where humanity acknowledges its responsibilities. We need to be aware of our impact and strive for a future that reconciles our well-being with the environment.
Ultimately, if individuals are to rise above their biological instincts, they should at least consider refraining from actions that might harm others.
