Interdependency and the future of our world

Climate change is going to impact all of us, whether we accept it is a reality or not. We need to start thinking about ways to combat and cope with it as a society, moving away from individualist thinking. The answer is interdependency. But what does that really mean?

Interdependency is actually how all of us really deal with our lives; we just don't know it! True interdependence really just means that we are mutually reliant on one another; as individuals, and as entire nations. Interdependence means teamwork and cooperation, collaboration on a scale that takes account of the needs and capabilities of everyone involved. We each hold on to our individuality bringing our own skills and experiences to a team setting, yet our goal is to achieve what is best for the whole.

So what does this mean in terms of climate change? Well, for starters, the belittling dismissal by world politicians and so-called 'boomers' of younger generations fearful of their future needs to stop. This isn't an interdependent view, it is an 'I won't be personally impacted so don't care' mentality that is both dangerous and selfish. On a wider scale, this also means wealthier nations that might have the financial ability to survive repeated storm surges and other extreme weather changes need to move away from only considering themselves. AOSIS states and poor countries will need their support. The efforts of these states and countries towards combating this climate crisis show far more interdependence than any of the rich countries in the world!

Perhaps the biggest reason why the world hasn't come together with interdependence to help solve our climate problems isn't just about the money involved, though that will play a large part in the lack of decision-making we are seeing. Perhaps what is more important is that some nations perceive themselves as leaders, and in doing so think they should have dominance in any discussions about world policy. Interdependence doesn't need one true leader, it needs true collaboration from all involved. This would mean the likes of America would have equal status at the table to, for example, Indonesia. Interdependence means relinquishing control. Larger, wealthier nations aren't ready to do that!

Until we reach a point where we recognise the importance of using interdependence to shape our future, we are stuck. What is it going to take to change the way we view the world and our contribution to it?