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2. Reinventing our modes of production and organization

Reinventing our modes of production and organization

Introduction
Iris Levy, Mathilde Martin-Moreau and David Ménascé
p. 32-33

Full text

1While there is increasing unanimity about the diagnosis, the same cannot be said for the question of how to implement ecological transformation. The debate is intense between those who maintain that it is possible to sever the link between increasing GDP and greenhouse gas emissions, and those who refuse a view they judge unrealistic and likely to keep us prisoner of present-day models.

  • 1 For example, during their May 2022 graduation ceremony, students at AgroParisTech exhorted their pe (...)
  • 2 See in particular: Emmanuel Bonnet, Diego Landivar, Alexandre Monnin, Héritage et fermeture, une éc (...)

2Fabrice Bonnifet invites us to think of businesses’ purpose in new ways, rendering them “contributive” and compatible with planetary boundaries. The idea is to rethink economic models, for example by turning to the circular and functional economies. Various more radical voices, primarily from younger generations, advocate a form of abandonment of the dominant capitalist model,1 whilst contemporary writers explore the implications of, and mechanisms for, an “ecology of dismantling.”2 Other economic and political actors argue that we should make the most of opportunities offered by ecological transformation while limiting any harmful impacts. Sangji Lee looks at various attempts to decarbonize activities, such as transitioning to renewables and renovating infrastructures and, of course, new employment opportunities. Maud Texier describes Google’s strategy for decarbonized data centers by 2030, and how the company is making the goal of cutting emissions a lever for innovation.

3Above and beyond business, cities, the largest contributors to climate warming as well as its first victims, are faced with the question of which models they need to adopt for a successful ecological transition in an ever more urbanized world. Ilan Cuperstein looks at solutions to reduce urban inequalities in South American cities, improving access to essential services whilst cutting emissions. Now that the time for transition has arrived, countless paradigms are emerging for rethinking urban planning in its entirety, including “15-minute”, biomimetic, symbiotic and modular cities. Urban planners Nils Le Bot and Pauline Detavernier explain the unique features of the low-tech city, which questions need and sufficiency, focuses on sobriety, guarantees accessibility and always opts for the scale appropriate to the need.

  • 3 “Pollution and Health, a Progress Update”, The Lancet, 2022.

4Whatever the model, an increasing number of actors are stressing the need to adopt an ecosystem-based vision of ecological transformation, to efficiently reimagine modes of production and organization and capitalize on synergies. In a world where almost one-in-six deaths can be attributed to toxins from the environment,3 the transition of the chemical industry, analyzed by Anna Lennquist, has ramifications that extend into the health and environmental spheres. Taking a broader overview, Serge Morand explains the advantages of the One Health approach, updated by the coronavirus crisis, and offers an innovative approach for transforming current models.

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Notes

1 For example, during their May 2022 graduation ceremony, students at AgroParisTech exhorted their peers to “desert” jobs that “destroy” the environment.

2 See in particular: Emmanuel Bonnet, Diego Landivar, Alexandre Monnin, Héritage et fermeture, une écologie du démantèlement [Heritage and Closure, an Ecology of Dismantling], 2021.

3 “Pollution and Health, a Progress Update”, The Lancet, 2022.

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References

Bibliographical reference

Iris Levy, Mathilde Martin-Moreau and David Ménascé, “Reinventing our modes of production and organization”Field Actions Science Reports, Special Issue 24 | 2022, 32-33.

Electronic reference

Iris Levy, Mathilde Martin-Moreau and David Ménascé, “Reinventing our modes of production and organization”Field Actions Science Reports [Online], Special Issue 24 | 2022, Online since 07 October 2022, connection on 28 March 2024. URL: http://journals.openedition.org/factsreports/6893

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About the authors

Iris Levy

Archipel&Co, Issue coordinator

By this author

Mathilde Martin-Moreau

Archipel&Co, Issue coordinator

By this author

David Ménascé

Archipel&Co, Issue coordinator

By this author

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Copyright

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The text only may be used under licence CC BY 4.0. All other elements (illustrations, imported files) are “All rights reserved”, unless otherwise stated.

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