This is the title of the next Seminar organised in the Saline Royale of Arc et Senans on 19-20 November 2008.
“Factor 4”, “3x20”, “the 2000W society”… An increasing number of local authorities are expressing their intention to commit to such objectives and elected representatives are joining the “Covenant of Mayors ”. The explosion in energy prices has blown away any remaining doubts: our mode of development is definitely not sustainable. We need a complete change of direction! But how can we achieve this? What strategies should be implemented? What actors should be involved?
A baffling problem?
Yes, if we remain prisoners of our past and present habits. In this scenario, the slightest change is viewed as an insuperable obstacle. Discouragement is only a short step away and failure a certainty.
No, if we seize this opportunity to IMAGINE what our cities will be like in 2020 or within one generation; if we are able to build and share a vision for a desirable future; if we agree to redesign all our policies on the basis of the new paradigm. It is the road to success. However, we must change our methods to achieve this: old recipes will not work. In a democratic society, such a change of direction cannot be made without the support of citizens in their private, professional and voluntary capacities. We have a major challenge ahead of us!
This is why the theme of the 3rd IMAGINE seminar will be: Sharing a vision of a desirable future for my city.
The seminar aims to address the following issues:
- Why such a change course? What direction should we follow?
- How to build/share a vision of a desirable energy future in my city?
- What can I do to share this vision?