Go for deep transformation, beyond shallow transition

CHANGE is everywhere. But is it the right kind of change? The crises we face get deeper while the solutions too often remain shallow. It appears we are at the crossroads between shallow transitions and deep transformations, with a clear need for the latter both in the sustainability movement and across society.

Shallow or deep? The nature of change

“Shallow transitions” are well-intentioned actions that address specific problems and their symptoms, but in isolation. They can look promising on the surface but fail to tackle the root causes of the challenges we face. They can trigger unintended consequences, ignore opportunities for multiple benefits across multiple systems, and run out of the momentum needed for real, lasting change.

Take for example the shifts towards renewable energy, which are pivotal in tackling carbon emissions and hitting climate targets. Yet, the energy industry talks about energy as units – kilowatt-hours – not about people, or of renewable energy as inherently good when they also come with risks such as labour rights issues due to exposure to hazardous chemicals, or biodiversity losses such as the Great Indian Bustard losing its natural habitat due to solar implementation.