Envisioning Sustainable Futures

Envisioning sustainable futures means imagining different possibilities and identifying steps we can take today that impacts the next ones. It invites us to be adaptable, creative and open to uncertainty, knowing there is no single certain future. By analysing the present and how systems interact, we see how today’s choices shape tomorrow. Combining logic with imagination helps us design resilient, caring communities, regenerative societies and work together toward shared, sustainable futures.

Futures literacy

I understand what futures thinking means — looking at different possible futures — and why it matters for sustainability, like for example imagining how today’s transport choices affect cities in 20 years (Knowledge)(Required)

1: I do not understand futures thinking or its relevance.
6: I have a deep understanding of futures thinking and its relevance to sustainability.

I am familiar with tools and methods such as scenario planning, backcasting, design labs, or visioning workshops that help people imagine and explore alternative futures. (Knowledge)(Required)

1: I am not familiar with tools or methods for imagining or exploring alternative futures.
6: I am familiar with a range of tools and methods (e.g. scenario planning, backcasting, design labs, visioning workshops) and I can explain how they are used to explore alternative futures.

I can imagine multiple future scenarios based on current actions and trends. (Skill)(Required)

1: I cannot imagine future scenarios based on current actions.
6: I can effectively imagine multiple future scenarios.

I can incorporate long-term thinking into planning personal, community, or organizational actions. (Skill)(Required)

1: I struggle to incorporate long-term thinking into planning.
6: I consistently incorporate long-term thinking into planning.

I value thinking ahead and considering the long-term consequences of decisions — like how my daily travel or energy choices affect both my budget and the climate over time.(Attitude)(Required)

1: I do not value thinking ahead or considering long-term consequences.
6: I highly value thinking ahead and considering long-term impacts.

I am committed to exploring innovative and renegerative approaches. (Attitude)(Required)

1: I am not committed to exploring innovative approaches.
6: I am fully committed to exploring innovative sustainable development approaches.

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Futures literacy score

Adaptability

I can adjust my plans or actions when circumstances change — for example, finding another way to get to work when transport is disrupted, or cooking differently if certain ingredients aren’t available. (Skill)(Required)

1: I struggle to adjust plans or actions when circumstances change.
6: I am highly adaptable, easily adjusting plans when needed.

I can apply creative solutions to new or unexpected sustainability challenges, when I can’t follow my usual routine (Skill).(Required)

1: I find it difficult to come up with creative solutions.
6: I consistently apply creative solutions to new challenges.

I can learn from past experiences — such as wasting energy, food, or money — and use those lessons to make better decisions in the future. (Skill)(Required)

1: I rarely learn from past experiences.
6: I effectively use past experiences to improve future decisions.

I can support others in adapting to changes in their environment or organization. (Skill)(Required)

1: I am not effective at helping others adapt to change.
6: I excel at supporting others in adapting to changes.

I feel comfortable adapting to new situations or challenges, whether it’s changing my daily routine, adjusting to new sustainability rules, or trying out different habits that are better for the environment. (Attitude)(Required)

1: I feel uncomfortable adapting to new situations.
6: I am very comfortable adapting to new challenges.

I understand the benefits of resilience — for example, how resilient ecosystems recover from disturbance, or how resilient communities adapt to challenges and crises. (Knowledge)(Required)

1: I do not understand what resilience means or what benefits it can bring.
6: I clearly understand the benefits of resilience in both natural and human systems (e.g. ecosystems, communities, daily life) and can explain these with examples.

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Adaptibility score

Exploratory thinking

I can look at different possible solutions in my daily life and choose the one that works best or is most realistic for me and my community. (Skill)(Required)

1: I do not usually compare different solutions in my daily life.
6: I regularly compare different possible solutions in my daily life and confidently choose the ones that are most effective and realistic for me and my community.

I can take ideas I’ve seen in other places and adapt them to tackle sustainability challenges in my own environment.(Skill)(Required)

1: I find it challenging to adapt ideas from different contexts.
6: I effectively adapt ideas from various contexts to solve challenges.

I feel motivated to experiment and try out new ways of living or working more sustainably, even if they don’t always succeed at first. (Attitude)(Required)

1: I am not motivated to experiment with novel solutions.
6: I am highly motivated to try out new solutions for sustainability issues.

I enjoy thinking creatively and embracing new perspectives to address complex problems. (Attitude)(Required)

1: I do not enjoy or engage in creative thinking.
6: I thoroughly enjoy and embrace creative thinking and new perspectives.

I understand why it is important to explore new ideas and possibilities when searching for sustainable solutions.(Knowledge)(Required)

1: I do not see value in exploring new ideas for sustainability.
6: I deeply understand and value exploring new ideas for sustainability.

I know that exploring multiple possible futures helps prepare for uncertainty and change, making sustainability strategies more resilient. (Knowledge)(Required)

1: I am not aware that thinking about different possible futures can help with sustainability planning.
6: I can explain how exploring multiple futures supports resilience, give real-world examples, and use this knowledge to assess or design sustainability strategies.

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Exploratory thinking score

Self-sufficiency

I can grow my own food using sustainable methods such as gardening, balcon gardening, farming practices.. (Skill)(Required)

1: I do not know how to grow my own food using sustainable methods and I do not practice it.
6: I can confidently grow my own food using sustainable methods (e.g. gardening, balcony gardening, farming) and I apply these practices successfully in my daily life.

I know the basic principles of permaculture and how they can be applied to everyday life to create self-sustainable ecosystems.(Knowledge)(Required)

1: I do not know the basic principles of permaculture or how they could be applied in everyday life.
6: I have a clear understanding of the basic principles of permaculture and can explain how they can be applied in everyday life to create self-sustainable ecosystems, with concrete examples.

I am able to reuse or repair everyday objects instead of throwing them away. (Skill)(Required)

1: I do not know how to reuse or repair everyday objects, and I usually throw them away.
6: I can effectively reuse or repair a wide range of everyday objects, and I put this into practice regularly instead of discarding them.

I value self-reliance and enjoy learning practical skills that reduce my dependence on unsustainable systems. (Attitude)(Required)

1: I do not particularly value self-reliance and have little interest in learning practical skills to reduce dependence on unsustainable systems.
6: I strongly value self-reliance and actively enjoy learning practical skills that reduce my dependence on unsustainable systems, and this attitude shapes my lifestyle choices.

I understand the main methods of resource management (reduce, reuse, recycle) and their impact on sustainability. (Knowledge)(Required)

1: I do not understand the main methods of resource management (reduce, reuse, recycle) or their impact on sustainability.
6: I have a clear understanding of the main methods of resource management (reduce, reuse, recycle) and can explain their impact on sustainability with relevant examples.

I can use simple survival or eco-construction techniques (e.g. making a fire safely, building with natural or recycled materials) when needed. (Skill)(Required)

1: I do not know how to use simple survival or eco-construction techniques and cannot apply them when needed.
6: I can confidently use simple survival or eco-construction techniques (e.g. making a fire safely, building with natural or recycled materials) and apply them effectively when needed.

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Self-sufficiency skills score

Techno-ecological wisdom

I know examples of traditional practices from past generations that support ecological balance (e.g. crop rotation, natural building, seed saving). (Knowledge)(Required)

1: I do not know examples of traditional practices from past generations that support ecological balance.
6: I know several examples of traditional practices from past generations that support ecological balance, and I can explain their relevance for sustainability today.

I understand the potential benefits and risks of using modern technologies for ecological regeneration. (Knowledge)(Required)

1: I do not understand the potential benefits or risks of using modern technologies for ecological regeneration.
6: I clearly understand the potential benefits and risks of using modern technologies for ecological regeneration and can explain them with relevant examples.

I can integrate appropriate tools or technologies into sustainability projects without harming ecological integrity. (Skill)(Required)

1: I do not know how to integrate tools or technologies into sustainability projects, or I might use them in ways that risk harming ecological integrity.
6: I can confidently integrate appropriate tools or technologies into sustainability projects and ensure they are used in ways that support sustainability without harming ecological integrity.

I respect and value the wisdom of previous generations and look for ways to combine it with innovative solutions. (Attitude)(Required)

1: I do not particularly respect or value the wisdom of previous generations, and I rarely consider how it could connect with innovative solutions.
6: I strongly respect and value the wisdom of previous generations, and I actively seek to combine it with innovative solutions in ways that guide my attitudes and choices.

I am able to critically evaluate whether a technology truly supports regeneration or mainly serves convenience or profit. (Skill)(Required)

1: I am not able to critically evaluate technologies in terms of whether they support regeneration or mainly serve convenience or profit.
6. I can confidently and critically evaluate technologies, distinguishing whether they genuinely support regeneration or mainly serve convenience or profit, and I apply this judgment when making or advising on choices.

I feel responsible for ensuring that technology use in my community contributes to nature’s wellbeing and not to its exploitation. (Attitude)(Required)

1: I do not feel responsible for how technology is used in my community or for its effects on nature.
6: I feel a strong responsibility for ensuring that technology use in my community supports nature’s wellbeing and avoids exploitation, and this sense of responsibility guides my choices and actions.

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Techno-ecological wisdom score

Congratulations on completing your eco-assessment adventure!

We hope it gave you some interesting learning moments and inspiration. Based on your scores, we’ve prepared a spider web–type feedback for you. Please provide your name and email address so we can send your results. If you’d like to receive updates and meaningful content on eco-literacy, you also have the chance to subscribe to our newsletter.

Name