ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that a transformative approach is necessary, involving radical economic change towards environmental sustainability and social justice – conceived of as two sides of the same coin, rather than opposing forces. It provides conceptual framings for the change processes required that are to be found in a relational philosophy and complex systems thinking applied to a broader vision of the economy, including a framing of environmental sustainability as a social justice issue, and viewing the changes needed through a transitioning systems lens. New industries must be developed in a socially inclusive manner and workers will need re-skilling for different jobs. A new development path requires concerted interventions including aligned skills development. In the face of dire socio-economic issues, environmental concerns have been deemed less important, and juxtaposed as being in competition with poverty eradication and employment creation. Humanity surely does have the creativity to design different social, cultural and economic systems over time, suitable for different contexts.
