In an era where the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation are becoming increasingly apparent, addressing sustainability is no longer a choice but an imperative.

Urgent action is required on a global scale to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Governments, businesses, communities, and individuals must work collaboratively to transition to sustainable practices and develop resilience to cope with the changing climate. Investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable practices, and implementing climate adaptation strategies are essential steps to safeguarding our planet’s future. By acknowledging the reality of climate change and taking meaningful sustainable action vs. a brick by brick approach we can hope to minimize the worst impacts of extreme weather conditions and create a more sustainable and resilient world for future generations.

The concept of *sustainability has gained significant traction in recent years as the global community recognizes the urgent need to address environmental challenges. In an era characterized by rapid industrialization, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, the need to address sustainability has become paramount. However, the question arises: Should we address sustainability through fragmented actions, or should we adopt a systemic approach? The urgency to adopt a systematic approach is evident, as the consequences of our actions today will profoundly impact future generations.

The challenges are complex and interconnected, encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Tackling these issues one brick at a time fails to address the systemic nature of the problem. A **systematic approach provides a broader perspective, recognizing the interdependencies between various factors. It allows us to analyze the root causes, identify leverage points, and implement comprehensive solutions that address multiple aspects simultaneously. By addressing sustainability holistically, we can achieve more significant and lasting change.

A systematic look of electric vehicles

Now we have a movement to manufacture electric vehicles (EV) because of the positive impact they have on carbon reduction. California, Massachusetts, Oregon and others have put in place policies to stop the sale of gas engine vehicle by 2030 / 2035. EVs are advertised as a green alternative to gas engine vehicles. If we take a step back and look at the total systemic impact of building and running an electric vehicle today we get a very different picture.

Electric cars have been around for a very long time. The first American electric car was developed by William Morrison in 1891. He produced a six-passenger wagon that reached a top speed of 14 mph. It is worth noting that in 1899 the land speed record was set by an electric vehicle at 66 mph. It was designed by Thomas Edison. Morrison’s invention was considered the first practical example of an electric vehicle, and it spurred interest in electric transportation. It is also worth noting that one third of all European cars in 1900 were electric.

Battery for Electric Vehicles

When we take a step back and examine the EV today we get a very different picture to the green vehicle. I believe today we haven’t taken a look at the total environmental impact that EVs have on the Earth. Technology advancements in the future will change the impacts in a positive direction but this will take time.

Looking at one aspect of building electric vehicles “batteries” we see a significant environmental impact. The impacts of mining for precious metals (graphite, lithium, nickel, cobalt, oxides of neodymium, praseodymium, samarium, dysprosium and terbium) needed to build batteries raises significant concerns. The extraction of these metals can lead to environmental degradation, including habitat destruction, soil and water pollution, and biodiversity loss. We will need an additional 385 mines to meet the demands to manufacture batteries for these vehicles. It takes six times the mining efforts to extract the needs to build batteries for electric vehicles versus gas vehicles. Today policymakers are in the process of putting policies to reduce the numbers of mines.

As the demands for precious metals goes up for the manufacturing of batteries to energize electric vehicles they are becoming scarce. The industry is turning to the oceans which are rich in the needed metals. Deep-sea mining raises concerns about the long-term stability of the seafloor. Mining activities can lead to subsidence and altered geological structures, potentially triggering underwater landslides and tsunamis. Such events could have devastating consequences for coastal communities and further exacerbate the environmental toll of this industry.

Today there no environmental regulations to control the deep sea mining process. To address these environmental challenges, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Robust regulatory frameworks must be established to govern deep-sea mining operations, incorporating stringent environmental impact assessments and monitoring protocols. International collaboration is paramount to ensure that mining activities are conducted responsibly and transparently, respecting ecological sensitivity.

We also need to look at the electricity used to charge EVs, approximately 80% of that comes from facilities that use fossil fuel to generate the power. There is as well an economic impact of the battery manufacturing for EVs. Precious metals are used in a number of other products from semiconductors to medical devices. As they become scarce the price of these materials will increase, driving up the prices of all products.

This is only one aspect of an electric vehicle, if we examine the vehicle more closely with a systemic view we may uncover many more possibilities to make EVs green.

A systematic approach allows us to scale up our efforts and achieve efficiency gains through coordinated action. For example, implementing energy-efficient practices not only in lighting but also in heating, cooling, and transportation systems within buildings can yield far greater energy savings. Thinking systemically is valuable because it allows us to see the interconnectedness of components within a situation. This holistic perspective helps in understanding the broader context, identifying unintended consequences, and finding effective, sustainable solutions by addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.

A fragmented approach often overlooks potential synergies that arise when addressing sustainability systematically. By adopting a holistic perspective, we can identify opportunities for integrated solutions that generate multiple positive outcomes. For instance, transitioning to renewable energy sources not only reduces carbon emissions but also improves air quality, creates job opportunities, and enhances energy security.

Sustainability challenges require comprehensive policy responses that align with broader societal goals. A systematic approach facilitates policy coherence and integration across sectors, ensuring that sustainability objectives are embedded into decision-making processes. Instead of pursuing disparate initiatives, a systematic framework promotes a unified vision, guiding the development and implementation of policies that are mutually reinforcing. This integration minimizes conflicts, enhances efficiency, and encourages collaboration among stakeholders to achieve shared sustainability goals.

Addressing climate change in a systematic way demands a long-term vision and future-proofing of our actions. Piecemeal approaches often focus on short-term gains, overlooking the long-term consequences and potential risks. A systematic perspective helps us anticipate and respond to emerging challenges, such as climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity. By considering the interdependencies and impacts of our actions over time, we can design resilient systems, technologies, and policies that adapt to evolving circumstances and safeguard the well-being of future generations.

The urgency of addressing environmental issues cannot be overstated. To achieve a sustainable future, we must adopt this approach that considers the interconnections between social, economic, and environmental factors. By integrating sustainability into our systems, decision-making processes, and collaborations, we can optimize resource use, enhance long-term planning, and foster greater resilience. Only through such a systematic approach can we effectively tackle the complex challenges we face and create a world that is environmentally sound, socially just, and economically prosperous for present and future generations.

Ultimately, the “brick by brick” approach is one of the strategies that can be employed in addressing climate change. However, it should be complemented with more ambitious and comprehensive policies, regulations, and investments to achieve the necessary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and protect the planet. This approach will allow for bold, coordinated, and transformative actions that can effectively address climate change and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

*Sustainability refers to the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves maintaining a balance between social, environmental, and economic aspects to ensure long-term well-being.

**Thinking systematically is crucial for addressing complex challenges and fostering holistic solutions. By considering interconnected relationships and dependencies, we can better understand the broader impact of our decisions. Systematic thinking helps identify unintended consequences and promotes foresight, preventing shortsighted solutions. It encourages a comprehensive analysis, allowing us to recognize patterns and leverage synergies. In a rapidly changing world, systemic thinking is essential for navigating uncertainties, adapting to dynamic situations, and promoting sustainable outcomes. Embracing systematic thinking enhances problem-solving skills and contributes to more informed, effective decision-making, fostering a more resilient and adaptable society.