The importance of reflecting on climate change has never been more urgent. The impact of human actions on the environment is reflected in extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts, intense storms, and rising sea levels. "Human influence has placed our species and our planet on two identical, but opposing, exponential trajectories – one of exponential growth in the name of human advancement, and the other of exponential degradation at the expense of our planet. Neither can be sustained if we wish to prosper, or even survive, on our planetary spaceship," explains Australian Kathryn Sforcina in the book "Digitizing Sustainability – The Five Forces of Digital Transformation," which arrives in Brazil through a new translation from PUCPRESS – the publishing house of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR).
The work offers a profound analysis of the failure of traditional sustainability models, questioning the systems and processes that have led us to the current scenario. Instead of following conventional approaches, Sforcina argues that the sustainable practices adopted thus far have not yielded the necessary results to effectively address environmental challenges. The author proposes that the true solution lies in innovation, highlighting the power of technology as a transformative force capable of driving real and lasting change.
Sforcina introduces the concept of "digital sustainability" by exploring the "five forces of digital transformation." These forces, driven by disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and blockchain, have the potential to revolutionize how we address environmental and social challenges. "Digitalizing Sustainability" goes beyond diagnosing problems; the book also offers a practical guide to action. The author outlines key directions for companies, governments, and individuals to leverage the power of technology to build a more sustainable and resilient future, highlighting the essential priorities for a real and effective transformation. "I argue that, ideally, digital technologies can help us implement a planetary operating system capable of balancing the equation of profit, people, and the planet," she reveals.
With accessible and inspiring language, this work is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the crucial role of technology in building a greener and fairer future. Sforcina offers valuable tools to empower each individual to become an agent of transformation, by uniting ancient wisdom, scientific knowledge, and cutting-edge technologies, all in the pursuit of a more sustainable, resilient, and balanced future.
