Governance, Sustainability, and Evolution

Abstract

How has it come to pass that humans so completely dominate Earth’s biophysical processes that we are now on the brink of a major shift in the state of the biosphere? Why, in the face of impending ecological disaster, does it seem so difficult to make the basic societal changes needed to ensure our long-term survival? The answers to both of these questions lie deep in our evolutionary history. Framing governance in terms of this history can help us solidify the successes we have achieved at the individual and community levels and, more importantly, inform us about the changes in governance that are needed if we are to gain control of our destiny as a species.¹