Our Theory of Change
GreenShifters' strategy and Theory of Change is based on an unembellished analysis of the current situation. Acceptance and knowledge of the scientifically substantiated facts form the basis for the evaluation of options for action and the development of solution strategies.
The current state can be summarised as follows:
(1) Anthropocene: Human activity has ushered in a new geological era. The massive human intervention in the natural cycles of our earth system has severely damaged many vital functions and threatens to irreversibly overturn them (e.g. concentration of greenhouse gases, acidification of the oceans, loss of biodiversity, introduction of nitrogen and phosphorus as well as new entities such as ‘eternal chemicals’).
(2) Increasing social unrest and economic uncertainty: At the same time as the growing ecological crisis, profound changes are taking place at a social and economic level. These upheavals pose an increasing threat to our democracies and our social and economic systems.
(3) Cumulative damage and non-linearity: The extent of the aforementioned developments and their interdependencies, of simultaneous and interwoven crises, collectively referred to as a ‘polycrisis’, is now so significant that drastic and disruptive changes are now likely. Obvious examples are the increasing polarisation in many democracies and the threat of climate tipping points. In the worst-case scenario, these could lead to the displacement, suffering and death of millions of people. Linked to and as a consequence of this, the destruction of global economic output will also be catastrophic from an economic perspective.
(4) Time horizon: The last critical facet is the closing window of opportunity. System, climate and earth sciences leave no doubt that humanity could lose control and human life will no longer be possible in some regions of the world if we do not get on the right track in the next few years. The decisions taken in these years will influence the ability to survive and the quality of life of future generations, either negatively or, if we act together now, positively.
(5) Social change is taking place: Nevertheless, there is enough reason for hope right now. Countless actors, across all areas of society and globally networked, are actively working every day to protect our livelihoods. Over the last few decades, they have developed solutions for (almost) all problems that are just waiting to be implemented. If we manage to systematically strengthen and connect these efforts, we can create the future. This is exactly where GreenShifters comes in.
Vision and the path to it
We, GreenShifters, see ourselves as part of a global & decentralised movement for climate justice.
Therefore, all stakeholders who contribute to the Just & Green Transition or genuinely want to do so, are our partners on the journey into the future. This includes people and organisations from politics, business, civil society, (social) media, science, culture and religion.
Our international network includes a large number of contacts from these sectors and is constantly being expanded. From the exchange with them, scientific work and our own experience, we have developed a long-term strategy aimed at increasing co-operation. In this way, GreenShifters brings additionality, rather than parallel efforts: we support existing actors in diverse and targeted ways to increase the effectiveness, efficiency and thus the impact of the entire movement as a whole.
Examples of how we are realising our vision a little further every day:
- We proactively and strategically open up silos, put stakeholders in contact with each other and use our resources to support continuous dialogue;
- We inform actors about the latest scientific findings and thus support pragmatic approaches in the short term and innovative approaches in the long term;
- We empower actors, so that they can achieve a greater impact in their work by organising skills and knowledge transfers between different groups.
The Team of GreenShifters
GreenShifters – these are experienced climate activists, political advisors, management consultants, representatives of large companies and German SMEs, lobbyists, journalists and employees from NGOs, think tanks and leading scientific and cultural institutes. All members are united by the vision of a sustainable and just world, the pursuit of maximum and immediate impact and the joy of joint commitment.
We possess many years of experience in working resolutely for climate justice at all levels and a significant network, both nationally and internationally. We are committed to promoting straightforward knowledge transfer, effective communication and continuous collaboration. In short, we are a coalition of proactive changemakers who want to work together to expand their scope and scale their impact.
