Glimpses of sustainability : four short stories to expand perceptions of the future

Abstract: Drawing inspiration from the Futures Beyond GDP Growth report, this thesis transforms visions of sustainable futures into tangible narratives, delving deep into the potentialities of everyday lives in such realities. Through creative writing and AI-generated visuals, four distinct scenarios are brought to life, offering glimpses into worlds shaped by profound systemic shifts and alternative worldviews. Indigenous knowledge and principles, such as the Honorable Harvest, infuse the narratives, emphasizing reciprocity and coexistence. These stories serve not only as a reflection on our present but also as an open invitation to reimagine and actively shape our future. The research underscores the power of storytelling in fostering empathy, challenging paradigms, and promoting a holistic understanding of sustainability. By immersing readers into the lives of individuals navigating these evolved societal structures, the work endeavors to challenge and expand current notions of wellbeing and societal progress. The Indigenous-inspired perspectives further enrich the stories, offering sustainable paradigms that not only contrast but also offer avenues for reshaping Western relationships with the environment and fellow beings. By drawing comparisons with the pre-Columbian Americas, the research accentuates that the evolution of societal structures is not unidirectional or inevitable. In essence, this thesis underlines the potent role of stories in stimulating empathy and challenging dominant paradigms, inviting readers to engage in the collaborative responsibility of envisioning a sustainable and inclusive future.