Communities for Future
Online Summit
Our Response to the Climate Emergency
February 1-10, 2020

Participants + You

Communities for future - our response to the climate emergency

The Communities for Future Summit is an entirely free, online experience hosted by the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN).

The Communities for Future Summit will take place from 1 to 10 February 2020, bringing leading-edge thinkers and leaders from around the globe engaging in concrete action for a just and regenerative future.

Participation in the Communities for Future Summit is completely free and the interviews can be accessed from anywhere.

As young people are taking to the streets, demanding that politicians take urgent action on the climate and ecological crisis, GEN is picking up the baton in terms of concrete manifestation of the needed change in our lives, our communities and municipalities.

The Communities for Future Summit invites you into a larger movement that is catalyzing a regenerative world. Join us now!

Tell others about it!

These experts will accompany you on this journey

Charles Eisenstein

Philosopher, Author, Internationally Renowned Speaker

“Humanity is meant to join fully the tribe of all life on Earth, offering our uniquely human gifts towards the wellbeing and development of the whole.”

Charles Eisenstein Philosopher, Author, Internationally Renowned Speaker “Humanity is meant to join fully the tribe of all life on Earth, offering our uniquely human gifts towards the wellbeing and development of the whole.”

Christiana Figueres

International Leader on Global Climate Change

"I believe in human ingenuity – that when we decide on a task to be done, no matter how daunting it may seem at the beginning, we are able to unleash human ingenuity and human innovative capacity that was unknown, and takes us to a solution."

Christiana Figueres International Leader on Global Climate Change "I believe in human ingenuity – that when we decide on a task to be done, no matter how daunting it may seem at the beginning, we are able to unleash human ingenuity and human innovative capacity that was unknown, and takes us to a solution."

Thomas Hübl

Modern Mystic, Spiritual Teacher, Founder of Sharing the Presence Association

“Climate change has a developmental component – it shows us how to step into the future. It also shows us something is out of alignment.”

Thomas Hübl Modern Mystic, Spiritual Teacher, Founder of Sharing the Presence Association “Climate change has a developmental component – it shows us how to step into the future. It also shows us something is out of alignment.”

Pat McCabe

Activist, Artist, Writer, Ceremonial Leader, International Speaker

"What we are suffering from at this time on the planet is a crisis of relationship."

Pat McCabe Activist, Artist, Writer, Ceremonial Leader, International Speaker "What we are suffering from at this time on the planet is a crisis of relationship."

Frédéric Laloux

Author, Organisational Innovator

“Too often, as we try to change the world we struggle with outdated management practices. Let a new consciousness breathe life into our workplaces, so we can breathe it into the world!”

Frédéric Laloux Author, Organisational Innovator “Too often, as we try to change the world we struggle with outdated management practices. Let a new consciousness breathe life into our workplaces, so we can breathe it into the world!”

Daniel Christian Wahl

Regenerative Design Generalist, Educator, Author

"The creation of diverse, regenerative cultures collaboratively united in a regenerative civilization is the only viable future open to us as we move into the ‘planetary era’."

Daniel Christian Wahl Regenerative Design Generalist, Educator, Author "The creation of diverse, regenerative cultures collaboratively united in a regenerative civilization is the only viable future open to us as we move into the ‘planetary era’."

Christian Felber

Author, Initiator of Economy for the Common Good Movement

"The Economy for the Common Good advocates a more ethical economic model, in which the wellbeing of people and the environment become the ultimate goal of business."

Christian Felber Author, Initiator of Economy for the Common Good Movement "The Economy for the Common Good advocates a more ethical economic model, in which the wellbeing of people and the environment become the ultimate goal of business."

Sabine Lichtenfels

Peace Researcher, Co-founder of Tamera Ecovillage

"It's time to realize that the environmental crisis and the inner crisis are two sides of the same coin. We, humanity, are a central cause of these disasters. In the same way, we could also be the source for their healing."

Sabine Lichtenfels Peace Researcher, Co-founder of Tamera Ecovillage "It's time to realize that the environmental crisis and the inner crisis are two sides of the same coin. We, humanity, are a central cause of these disasters. In the same way, we could also be the source for their healing."

Kosha Joubert

Executive Director of the Global Ecovillage Network

"One of the most under-utilised resources we have on this planet is the good intentions of citizens and our wish to make a difference."

Kosha Joubert Executive Director of the Global Ecovillage Network "One of the most under-utilised resources we have on this planet is the good intentions of citizens and our wish to make a difference."

Tiejun Wen

Expert on Social-Economic Sustainable Development and Rural Issues in China

“To confront the social and economic changes underway at a global level, we need to work on the integration between the urban and rural contexts."

Tiejun Wen Expert on Social-Economic Sustainable Development and Rural Issues in China “To confront the social and economic changes underway at a global level, we need to work on the integration between the urban and rural contexts."

John D. Liu

Filmmaker, Ecologist, Founder of Ecosystem Restoration Camps

"We have the ability to act individually and collectively to mitigate and adapt to climate change."

John D. Liu Filmmaker, Ecologist, Founder of Ecosystem Restoration Camps "We have the ability to act individually and collectively to mitigate and adapt to climate change."

Visolela Namises

Namibian Politician, Human-Rights Activist

"We want to bring a sustainable, low-cost, low-impact lifestyle to our people and the world. As African people, we have been living a communal life that has been protecting the environment in a holistic manner."

Visolela Namises Namibian Politician, Human-Rights Activist "We want to bring a sustainable, low-cost, low-impact lifestyle to our people and the world. As African people, we have been living a communal life that has been protecting the environment in a holistic manner."

Mike Smith

Māori Activist, Social Scientist, Spearhead of Indigenous Community-Centred Climate Solutions

“I will use a biblical analogy, Noah built the Ark before the floods came. He didn't wait till the waves came crashing through the lounge windows before he decided he needed a getaway plane.”

Mike Smith Māori Activist, Social Scientist, Spearhead of Indigenous Community-Centred Climate Solutions “I will use a biblical analogy, Noah built the Ark before the floods came. He didn't wait till the waves came crashing through the lounge windows before he decided he needed a getaway plane.”

Calixto Suarez

Indigenous Activist, Chief Elders of Arhuaco People, Speaker

"For me, what matters the most is that the lands are healthy, the water is pure, the wind is free from viruses and the human beings are at peace with themselves."

Calixto Suarez Indigenous Activist, Chief Elders of Arhuaco People, Speaker "For me, what matters the most is that the lands are healthy, the water is pure, the wind is free from viruses and the human beings are at peace with themselves."

Coyote Alberto Ruz

Environmental Activist, Author, Performer, Promoter of Intentional Communities and Earth Rights

"The history of humanity is marked by constant struggles for the rights to a free and fair life based on reciprocity: a healthy, generous, communal, and respectful life in harmony with the cycles of nature and the cosmos, because these are the regulators that allow us to continue existing, as a species and all the other species that share this mother in common, the Mother Earth."

Coyote Alberto Ruz Environmental Activist, Author, Performer, Promoter of Intentional Communities and Earth Rights "The history of humanity is marked by constant struggles for the rights to a free and fair life based on reciprocity: a healthy, generous, communal, and respectful life in harmony with the cycles of nature and the cosmos, because these are the regulators that allow us to continue existing, as a species and all the other species that share this mother in common, the Mother Earth."

Gunter Pauli

Entrepreneur, Visionist and Author of The Blue Economy

"We are selling ourselves very short by funneling our energies into what the traditional perception is of academic and monetary success."

Gunter Pauli Entrepreneur, Visionist and Author of The Blue Economy "We are selling ourselves very short by funneling our energies into what the traditional perception is of academic and monetary success."

Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq

Shaman, Traditional Healer, Storyteller, International Speaker

"When you come home to yourself, you begin to realise that the world we live in is stunningly beautiful."

Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq Shaman, Traditional Healer, Storyteller, International Speaker "When you come home to yourself, you begin to realise that the world we live in is stunningly beautiful."

Mary Robinson

First Woman President of Ireland, Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Chair of The Elders

"When Nelson Mandela brought us together as Elders, he did so in the belief that together we are stronger, that change happens when people collectively take action to make our world a better place."

Mary Robinson First Woman President of Ireland, Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Chair of The Elders "When Nelson Mandela brought us together as Elders, he did so in the belief that together we are stronger, that change happens when people collectively take action to make our world a better place."

Sonita Mbah

NextGEN Africa Representative, Youth and Environmental Actionist

"As leaders of tomorrow, youths are called upon to participate in governance policy. The only way for them to do this is to understand that “In order to get to the top, you must start from the bottom.”

Sonita Mbah NextGEN Africa Representative, Youth and Environmental Actionist "As leaders of tomorrow, youths are called upon to participate in governance policy. The only way for them to do this is to understand that “In order to get to the top, you must start from the bottom.”

Sandrine Dixson-Declève

Energy Policy Expert, Government Official, Co-President of the Club of Rome

"I have faith that if we take on this challenge together, we will create the basis for a societal renaissance of unprecedented proportions."

Sandrine Dixson-Declève Energy Policy Expert, Government Official, Co-President of the Club of Rome "I have faith that if we take on this challenge together, we will create the basis for a societal renaissance of unprecedented proportions."

Nora Bateson

Filmmaker, Writer, Educator, Lecturer, Cross-disciplinary Systemic Thinker

“How we can improve our perception of the complexity we live within, so we may improve our interaction with the world?”

Nora Bateson Filmmaker, Writer, Educator, Lecturer, Cross-disciplinary Systemic Thinker “How we can improve our perception of the complexity we live within, so we may improve our interaction with the world?”

Albert Bates

Visionary Lawyer, Author, Permaculturalist, Ecovillage Practitioner

"My sense has been if there's a little bit of hope - an ember of hope - I'm gonna blow on it and try to start a fire and really from my own sanity the only thing I can do is to try to do something."

Albert Bates Visionary Lawyer, Author, Permaculturalist, Ecovillage Practitioner "My sense has been if there's a little bit of hope - an ember of hope - I'm gonna blow on it and try to start a fire and really from my own sanity the only thing I can do is to try to do something."

Manish Jain

Co-Founder of the Unschooling Movement in India

"Unlearning starts with the idea that the crisis that’s facing us runs much deeper than simple management shifts or technology fixes, that there’s a deeper question, crisis, story around how we perceive ourselves in the world."

Manish Jain Co-Founder of the Unschooling Movement in India "Unlearning starts with the idea that the crisis that’s facing us runs much deeper than simple management shifts or technology fixes, that there’s a deeper question, crisis, story around how we perceive ourselves in the world."

Marina Silva

Environmentalist, Brazilian Politican

"Caring for the environment has no political ideology. It’s not left-wing nor is it right-wing."

Marina Silva Environmentalist, Brazilian Politican "Caring for the environment has no political ideology. It’s not left-wing nor is it right-wing."

Om Sunisa

Trainer for Holistic Worldviews, Deep Ecology & Ecovillage Design Education

"Within the climate emergency, there are many other related emergencies. To cope with all these we need holistic and diverse approaches."

Om Sunisa Trainer for Holistic Worldviews, Deep Ecology & Ecovillage Design Education "Within the climate emergency, there are many other related emergencies. To cope with all these we need holistic and diverse approaches."

Chad Frischmann

Systems Researcher, Coalition-builder, Research Director of Project Drawdown

"We need to rethink our Global Goals: to move beyond stabilization, beyond sustainability, towards regeneration. And along the way, reverse global warming."

Chad Frischmann Systems Researcher, Coalition-builder, Research Director of Project Drawdown "We need to rethink our Global Goals: to move beyond stabilization, beyond sustainability, towards regeneration. And along the way, reverse global warming."

Willem Ferwerda

Expert in Landscape Restoration, Director and Founder of Commonland

“We are living in an economic world where disconnection between man and nature has become the norm. The need to reconnect with nature will be our utmost challenge. Based on this systemic thinking a real sustainable economy can be achieved.”

Willem Ferwerda Expert in Landscape Restoration, Director and Founder of Commonland “We are living in an economic world where disconnection between man and nature has become the norm. The need to reconnect with nature will be our utmost challenge. Based on this systemic thinking a real sustainable economy can be achieved.”

Margaret Wheatley

Speaker, Organizational Consultant, Systemic Thinker

"Can we be life-affirming leaders in a life-destroying time? Who do we choose to be? Historically in times of collapse, a few people step forward dedicated to service, not self-interest. These are Warriors for the Human Spirit"

Margaret Wheatley Speaker, Organizational Consultant, Systemic Thinker "Can we be life-affirming leaders in a life-destroying time? Who do we choose to be? Historically in times of collapse, a few people step forward dedicated to service, not self-interest. These are Warriors for the Human Spirit"

Lindsay Levin

Intl. Expert in Transformative and Regenerative Leadership

“If we want to be transformational, we have to be willing to continuously transform ourselves.”

Lindsay Levin Intl. Expert in Transformative and Regenerative Leadership “If we want to be transformational, we have to be willing to continuously transform ourselves.”

Maddy Harland

Co-Founder of Gaia Education and Permaculture Magazine

"Our relationship with the world is a reflection of consciousness. When we understand that we are truly interconnected on an animate Earth, we profoundly alter our relationship with all beings. It becomes a natural response to conserve, heal and regenerate."

Maddy Harland Co-Founder of Gaia Education and Permaculture Magazine "Our relationship with the world is a reflection of consciousness. When we understand that we are truly interconnected on an animate Earth, we profoundly alter our relationship with all beings. It becomes a natural response to conserve, heal and regenerate."

Morag Gamble

Global Leader of the Permaculture Movement, Practitioner at Crystal Waters Ecovillage, Australia

"Permaculture is a practical and positive way of designing, thinking, living and gardening with abundance and care."

Morag Gamble Global Leader of the Permaculture Movement, Practitioner at Crystal Waters Ecovillage, Australia "Permaculture is a practical and positive way of designing, thinking, living and gardening with abundance and care."

Martin Frick

Senior Director for Policy and Programme Coordination, UNFCCC

"We are in the midst of a climate crisis, where finally environmental action is moving from corporate social responsibility to the core business; and, it has to be the core business."

Martin Frick Senior Director for Policy and Programme Coordination, UNFCCC "We are in the midst of a climate crisis, where finally environmental action is moving from corporate social responsibility to the core business; and, it has to be the core business."

School Strike for Climate Melbourne 11-28-18 by Julian Meehan. Some Rights Reserved (CC BY 2.0).

Youth and Climate Action

The last few months have seen increased intensity of several grassroots movements stirred by the boiling pot of climate change. People are calling for a stop to “business as usual” as we face the climate emergency.

Fridays for Future (also known as School Strikes for Climate) represents students worldwide who are protesting the lack of government action on climate change by missing school to demonstrate in front of parliaments. Started by then 15 year old Swedish activist Greta Thunburg, the movement has shown that youth are both aware of the consequences their generation will face and empowered by their ability to mobilise. Inspired by Fridays for Future, more groups have sprouted such as Teachers for Future, Parents for Future, Scientists for Future, Farmers for Future, and Artists for Future. Almost 10 million people have striked in 144 countries, encouraging others to join.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) identifies as an international apolitical network using non-violent direct action to persuade governments to act on the Climate and Ecological Emergency. They state three demands: tell the truth, working with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change; act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and go beyond politics to create and be lead by decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly. XR has branches in 15 countries and almost 400 local groups.

As Fridays for Future and the Extinction Rebellion are taking to the streets, the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) is catalyzing the co-creation of a regenerative world we all want to see.

If you are seeking inspiration and hope for the future facing today’s climate crisis, join now GEN’s ‘Communities for Future Online Summit – Our Response to the Climate Emergency’. The human presence on this planet needs to be and can be transformed – from destructive to regenerative – now!

Create or Join a Local Hub

Click on the map to create or join a Local Hub

Do you want to host or join a space for the people around you to come together and share what the Summit brings up together? Do you want to host or join a round table for dialogue, inspiration, and sacred activism to emerge? This is the purpose of Local Hubs.

A Hub can take many forms – watching together with friends; arranging dinner parties and sharing circles with neighbours; public events in the local community hall; and other forms you might wish to create. You can shape your Hub into the form that suits you.

Create or Join a Local Hub now! Click on the map to know more.

Receive Immediate Access to 3 Full Interviews

Joanna Macy

“If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear. People who can open to the web of life that called us into being”

Thomas Hübl

“The deepest listening is presence, is consciousness itself. It is space, an open heart, compassion and a deep receiving of someone.”

Frédéric Laloux

“Too often, as we try to change the world we struggle with outdated management practices. Let a new consciousness breathe life into our workplaces, so we can breathe it into the world!”

REGISTER NOW TO GAIN ACCESS!

By registering, you will receive regular information about the Summit and links to interviews. Subscribers should expect to receive multiple email updates a day as the 2020 Summit begins. Your data is safe with us! Further information about the newsletter, registration, and data protection are provided in the data policy declaration. If you don’t receive our confirmation email, please contact us: [email protected]

Online Summits hosted by the Global Ecovillage Network

The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) envisions a world of empowered citizens and communities, designing and implementing pathways to a regenerative future, while building bridges of hope and international solidarity.

‘Communities for Future’ is the second edition of GEN’s Online Summit. The theme of the previous summit was “Power of Community’, and our 30 speakers included Joanna Macy, Polly Higgins, Fritjof Capra, Helena Norberg-Hodge, William Ury, Edgard Gouveia, Jr. and many grassroots leaders. If you missed last year’s edition, you can purchase the summit package at summit2019.ecovillage.org

“This summit inspired us to move our community in an ancient dynamic of sharing time, energy, and love by trusting on each other. Today we went to a farmer space to all help build a wicking bed, biweekly we will go to the next house to all help again to build or work in the garden.”

Numbers from last edition

Speakers

Participants

Hubs

Communities for Future Online Summit Our Response to the Climate Emergency February 1-10, 2020

100% FREE TO PARTICIPATE!

Communities for future - our response to the climate emergency

These experts will accompany you on this journey

Youth and Climate Action

Create or Join a Local Hub

Receive Immediate Access to 3 Full Interviews

REGISTER NOW TO GAIN ACCESS!

Online Summits hosted by the Global Ecovillage Network

Numbers from last edition

Communities for Future Online Summit Our Response to the Climate Emergency February 1-10, 2020

Communities for Future
Online Summit
Our Response to the Climate Emergency
February 1-10, 2020

Communities for Future
Online Summit
Our Response to the Climate Emergency
February 1-10, 2020