The World Future Council is calling for Ombudspersons for Future Generations. These would be guardians appointed at global, national and local levels whose job would be to help safeguard environmental and social conditions by speaking up authoritatively for future generations in all areas of policy-making.

Finding a solution to the short-term interests and ongoing unsustainable practices driving our societies and economies is a recurring issue. Few innovative ideas have emerged, fewer are being fully implemented and, as a consequence, we are exceeding planetary boundaries, threatening the security and wellbeing of those around us and those who follow us.

Many people are worried that the future of the planet is negotiated by politicians who have a mere 5 year term focus and are concerned about keeping their jobs. What we need is people without vested interests who can take a longer view and help navigate the future with more vision and integrity.

‘Farming for the Future’ is a holistic approach based on working with nature instead of against it, which seeks to combine the best of conventional farming with the best of organic farming. Woolworths recently audited 15 of their largest fruit and vegetable growers, who supply some 37% fresh produce on a total area of about 45 000 hectares.

'Sustainable development is the biggest opportunity in the history of business.' So said Jonathon Hanks of Incite Sustainability at the Eco-Centric Journey, an insurance industry focused conference held at the Sanlam head office.

Amanda Bourne (of the Climate Action Partnership) attended a presentation by IDEA WILD, a US NPO that supports biodiversity conservation efforts by raising funds and donating equipment to conservation researchers and projects. This includes office equipment and software, lab equipment, field equipment, and some costs such as for a field assistant or for fuel or transport costs up to the value of $1,500.00. It's a flexible system so you can get quite creative (though not too lavish) with requests.