2023 has been a turbulent and challenging year. Geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, conflicts have worsened, biodiversity is in decline and the year is set to be the hottest on record. Against this backdrop, it's clear that the world remains way off track to reach our environmental and social goals, and the costs to both people and planet are undeniable.
As 2023 draws to a close, we want to recognise these shortfalls, but also step back to highlight some progress that has been made. Across the sustainability movement, we’ve seen new partnerships, new ways of thinking and organising, new insights and learnings.
Below, we look back on 2023 at just a few milestones from the three transitions on which Forum for the Future is focused: food, energy, and the purpose of business. We also look ahead at what to watch out for in 2024 and highlight a range of resources that may help you on your sustainability journey. Take a look at some of our ‘staff picks’ for the best books, reports and more to intrigue you over the break.
We have no doubt that a more just and regenerative future is within our grasp and want to thank you for your continued support.
Happy holidays from all of us at Forum.
The purpose of business transition
There is no business case for inaction on climate, yet many organisations are not stepping up. Businesses have an opportunity to lead - leveraging their influence and resources to transform not only why and how they operate, but the wider operating context in which their organisation sits. That’s why Forum is partnering with trailblazing leaders. Together, we’re asking (and answering) big questions - from what visionary leadership looks like and how to transform your value chain to how we can reimagine consumption and create a transformative enabling context.
Get in touch: If you’re looking for a strategic partner to accelerate your sustainability journey, please reach out to James.
The energy transition
The global energy landscape is undergoing a crucial transformation. Fuelled by the commitment of more than 120 nations to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, we are witnessing a collective determination to build a low-carbon future. As renewables rapidly scale, ensuring ecological safety, social justice, and rights-respecting practices is key.
At Forum, we are engaging stakeholders in building decarbonised, resilient energy systems that are ecologically safe and rights respecting.
Examples this year include: the Responsible Energy Initiative (REI), which is helping shape a resilient future through sustainable practices, circularity, and community-centric models in India. In the Philippines, we’re identifying the risks associated with scaling (and how to mitigate them), examining governance and market responses, and contributing to a more socially just and ecologically sound energy system.
Get in touch: If you're seeking a strategic partner to help accelerate a people and planet-centric energy transition, please reach out to Kunal.
The food transition
2023 has been a landmark year for food systems transformation, with over 130 countries signing the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action.
But more needs to be done, and urgently. Transforming the way food is produced and consumed across the world is vital to cutting carbon emissions and building a just and regenerative future.
Examples of our work this year:
As regenerative agricultural approaches gain momentum in the United States, there's huge potential to tackle complex environmental and social challenges. But how do we ensure that the transition respects the roots of Indigenous practices, and allows people and the planet to flourish long-term? Forum’s exclusive series, The Frontline of Indigenous Agriculture, part of our Growing our Future initiative, speaks to those leading the way.
What to watch in 2024: growing momentum behind regenerative production louder calls for agrobiodiversity; clamping down on greenwashing; a stronger focus on social justice; and biodiversity climbing the agenda. Forum’s Global Transition Lead, Food System Transformation, Duncan Williamson, highlights five key trends to watch as the global food transition gathers pace.
Get in touch: If you’re looking for a strategic partner to accelerate your food transition, please reach out to Duncan.
Staff picks that might intrigue you over the holidays....
We asked our team across our UK, US, Southeast Asia and India offices what book, film, report, or literature is capturing their attention right now, and what’s helping them to navigate any eco-anxiety. Here are their responses.
Alisha Bhagat, Futures Lead, based in the US: “I've been reading Lux - a feminist socialist magazine that covers transformative ways of living through coverage of topics like degrowth, revaluing nature, and decolonising scent. I’ve also been sharing our Shocks to the System game with different groups in academia, philanthropy, and business, to see how it might help people experience decision-making for the future.”
Fern Yu, Communications and Marketing Manager, based in Singapore: “With the film The Boy and the Heron recently released, I rewatched the films Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The main characters’ relentlessness reminds me of today’s youth, and I hope senior generations watching these films will reflect on what it means to be good ancestors.”
Neil Walker, Senior Change Designer, based in the UK:“The other day a friend from choir and I were chatting and discussing climate justice, as you do. After admitting I’d been feeling down, she suggested the book Active Hope by Joanna Macy. The next week she brought me her copy. I’ve just started it, but I’m enjoying the way it approaches our capacity to face crises. I appreciated the act of solidarity and empathy shown by my friend, a welcomed reminder of community.”
Siva Balasubramanian, Principal, Energy Transition, based in India:"McKinsey's report on agriculture's role in net zero is a great report that advocates 28 measures for people-inclusive climate action in agriculture. The report champions on-farm decarbonisation and farmer-centric strategies for a sustainable future, and it makes me envision a positive future for a just transition in the global agricultural sector."
Mairi Lowe, Communications Consultant and Producer at the School of System Change, based in the UK: “Helping me cultivate resilience and power are books Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, newsletter Gen Dread, and the School of System Change blog advocating for systems change.”
Are you interested in accelerating a just transition in food, energy and the purpose of business? Do you want to apply futures and systems thinking in your work?
