Imagination Beyond National Jurisdiction - Computing and Envisioning Possible Sustainable Futures for the High Seas

Abstract

The high seas are experiencing a stark increase in industrial activities, with resources being exploited unsustainably and shared unequally. This suggests the need for a transformation, a shift in the deeper structures of the system such as underlying paradigms and mind-sets. We created future visions by combining computational text analysis with a structured yet creative futuring approach. This process resulted in four science fiction stories, which aim to capture the complexity of the system, embrace the inherent uncertainty of the future and question current unsustainable trajectories, while emphasizing the vastness of future option space. The visions are analyzed using the concept of imaginaries, demonstrating that futuristic stories can be traced back to current realities and the scientific evidence they were based upon. We argue that engaging with alternative futures can open up transformative spaces to rethink the relationships between humans and the high seas, from which novel imaginaries can emerge.

Sustainability by Design: Innovative Ways of Revolutionizing Production Practices for a Better Tomorrow

“…In addition, the psychological strain and ambiguity linked to environmental difficulties might give rise to mental health disorders. The prioritisation of the well-being of all humans, encompassing access to clean air, water, and natural places, is a fundamental aspect of achieving a sustainable future [10]. The economic necessity of sustainability prioritises the long-term viability of a system or entity, rather than focusing solely on short-term advantages.…”