Can aspirations lead us to the oceans we want?
Singh, G.G. (2019). Can aspirations lead us to the oceans we want?, in: Cisneros-Montemayor, A.M. et al. Predicting future oceans: Sustainability of ocean and human systems amidst global environmental change. pp. 405-416. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-817945-1.00032-0 In: Cisneros-Montemayor, A.M.; Cheung, W.W.L.; Ota, Y. (Ed.) (2019). Predicting future oceans: Sustainability of ocean and human systems amidst global environmental change. Elsevier: Amsterdam. ISBN 978-0-12-817945-1. xxvii, 554 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/c2018-0-02416-0, more |
| Abstract | The UN Sustainable Development Goals are aspirational goals set to achieve a future we want, with a dedicated goal for the oceans. Aspirations are helpful in guiding us but can ultimately be counterproductive. Overenthusiastic timelines, absolute targets, and unrealistic understanding of social–ecological dynamics can prevent progress toward sustainable development despite ambitions. In particular, following policy based on the naturalistic fallacy (whereby understanding how things are dictates how things should be) or the moralistic fallacy (whereby envisioning a desired future leads to assumptions about the way things are) can lead to ineffective policy. In contrast, coupling aspirations with strategic planning can promote progress on policy toward sustainable development and sustainable oceans. |
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