Peter van der Wel, an economist, futurologist and speaker, contends that many of the daily issues we encounter in the news — such as CO2 emissions, the nitrogen crisis, shortages of raw materials, agricultural land, and space for housing and solar parks, along with a substantial portion of environmental pollution — can be effectively addressed within fifteen years.
He asserts that we can make the transition to fully sustainable energy, sustainable transport, and a sustainable food supply without resorting to drastic measures. This transition can occur more rapidly than currently anticipated, and without a decrease in our standard of living. What’s even more promising is the prospect of a significant increase in prosperity following these changes.
This narrative may seem almost unbelievable, but Peter supports this conclusion with publicly available data from reputable organizations such as the United Nations, the OECD, the CBS, and esteemed research institutions like the Universities of Oxford and Helsinki. His book De Goede Toekomst (in Dutch only) is a reflection of a lecture by the same name, which he has had the privilege of delivering to diverse audiences over the past few years.
FUTUROLOGY
Our ability to envision the future is often clouded by short-sightedness, emphasizing issues in the present while downplaying those on the horizon. This myopic view, coupled with a reluctance to think exponentially and a tendency to focus on potential negatives, hampers our forward-thinking.
BEING REALISTIC
By tapping into existing knowledge, many challenges can be effectively addressed within a 15-year timeframe. Three key factors play into this: the power of collaboration among people, the wealth of accumulated knowledge, and the inherent ingenuity of the human species.
KNOWLEDGE
The central idea here is that building a better world necessitates a deeper understanding of the future — knowledge that empowers us to make informed decisions. For those wanting to delve further into the discussed topics, the book conveniently provides references to sources offering more comprehensive insights.
INEFFICIENCIES
The book paints a vivid picture of the current state of affairs in areas like solar energy, electricity, and food production, offering Van der Wel’s perspective on their future trajectory. It highlights various inefficiencies, such as the impracticality of producing 1 kilogram of beef, requiring the feeding of 25 kilograms of plant-based protein to a cow.
INNOVATION
Economic principles drive a global shift away from widespread consumption of protein sourced from deceased animals. Through methods like fermentation and cultured meat, genuine meat is produced — no substitutes involved. This meat, free from reliance on production animals, is more cost-effective. The principles of Profit, Convenience, and Pleasure are propelling an unexpectedly swift transition in protein consumption, as well as other shifts towards solar power, wind, batteries, and e-mobility.
ACTION
So, what can individuals, businesses, and policymakers do? The book outlines ten types of instruments accessible to everyone. Among the simplest, most impactful approaches are setting positive examples, making mindful purchases (recognizing that every euro spent is a ‘vote’), engaging in non-parliamentary actions, and even embracing civil disobedience.
CONCISE
The book in 160 pages serves as an appeal to examine certain issues through an economic lens. It stresses the importance of knowledge in shaping a better world — a knowledge that is presented in a clear and organized manner throughout its pages.