ABSTRACT
Most of us think of sustainability planning primarily in terms of planning for energy efficiency, reduced GHG emissions, green buildings, bicycle and pedestrian travel, socially responsible economies, environmental justice, and other similar initiatives. Those goals are certainly excellent. However, most societies haven’t made nearly enough progress toward them because of poorly functioning political systems. Their systems of governance simply aren’t up to the task of planning for sustainability; they avoid dealing with environmental and social problems or actively assist unsustainable forms of development. The need is therefore to plan for improved governance, and to shape social evolution so that societies become more capable of making positive long-term choices for themselves and the planet.
