about this areaThe Overview area contains articles and essays that address the fundamental characteristics and underpinnings of Human Capital Sustainability (HCS).
These articles and essays are contributed by members of the HCS editorial team. To respond to the ideas presented in an article, click the Respond link at the bottom of that article. |
why is human capital sustainability so important now?Paul Kordis, September 2008 There is a growing consensus that humanity is on the verge of a critical bifurcation with breathtaking consequences. A convergence of unsustainable trends in the environment, the economy, society, religion, and politics are culminating in a situation where things can either go very badly (if we choose to do nothing differently) or very well (if we choose to do things very differently), but they cannot remain the same. In other words humanity is on the verge of either paradise or perdition, but remaining on its current course without drastic consequences is no longer available. Fortunately, a tipping point in the collective consciousness regarding natural capital sustainability has recently occurred. The need to protect our natural environment has been discussed in the public forum for decades and decades, but it has finally begun to gain real attention due to the imminent danger our environment faces and the harrowing consequences that we will endure if we do nothing about it. Therefore, this newly acquired perspective is being reflected in the media, the commons, and even in a previously belligerent government. Much action must follow all of the talk. But the awareness has been raised to a level of critical mass at the global level if not entirely in the United States. But this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Following closely on the heels of a renewed concern for natural capital sustainability will be a general alarm over an unsustainable economy, both nationally and globally. Quickly following the anxiety regarding economic viability will be an equally disturbing awakening to the plight of human capital. Thus, the global epiphany regarding natural capital will be followed by similar wake-up calls that will draw our attention to the threats facing our economic and human capital. how do we help to promote a new awareness of, and the right environment for, human capital sustainability?Discovering and realizing this is the purpose of this Web site. Many associates are now working to write articles, propose ideas, produce artifacts, and provide methods for personal, systemic, and institutional change. Hopefully many more will join us in our efforts. We also realize that many others have preceded us in promoting very similar ideas and in working towards very similar goals. Based on this realization we fully intend to link to as many other groups (who are producing visible and positive results) as we can in order to leverage our contribution and to promote the convergence of efforts necessary for effective change. We realize that our motivation is, in part, entirely selfish. There is no longer any place to hide from the consequences of the ensuing bifurcation. Everyone will be powerfully affected, either for better or for worse. But we also hear the call and feel the need to contribute to the greater good simply because it is good to do so. Our greater purpose cannot be, in our estimation, our mutual annihilation. Therefore, it must be promoting the best, most ethical, and highest manifestation of life possible. Respond to this article. Next article: Ethics and Physics |
founderPaul L. Kordis, PhD advisorsJames H. Banning, PhD Gary Geroy, PhD Ed Goodman, P.E., MSCE Bruce Hall, PhD M.L. Johnson, EdD, PhD David T. Moran, PhD Beverly Title, PhD
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