The impacts of climate change are no longer distant possibilities—they are now an everyday reality. Unpredictable weather patterns, rising sea levels, flooding, and prolonged droughts are increasingly disrupting our lives, threatening both social stability and economic progress.
Scientists have long warned that if we continue with business as usual, global temperatures could rise by as much as 6°C by the end of this century. At first glance, the transformation needed to prevent this may seem overwhelming, as though we are being asked to leap from the world we know into an entirely different one.
However, the truth is more hopeful: this shift is not only possible, but it is also deeply rooted in who we are.
Cultural Wisdom for Modern Sustainability
The call for a green transition, particularly one that is just and inclusive, is not a foreign concept. It is not about abandoning our way of life, but rather about returning to the core of what it means to be human.
We are not separate from nature; we are part of it. Throughout cultures and histories, our civilizations have been shaped by the pursuit of balance with the Earth. The wisdom to live in harmony with nature has always been with us—it is embedded in the stories we tell, the rituals we practice, and the values we inherit.
Take Indonesia, for example. In Bali, the centuries-old philosophy of Tri Hita Karana teaches that true happiness and well-being are achieved through three harmonious relationships: with God, with fellow human beings, and with nature.
This belief system is not just cultural—it is environmental ethics in practice. It reminds us that caring for the Earth is not a modern trend, but a timeless responsibility deeply embedded in our identity.
Even in modern times, we have shown our capacity to make meaningful change. Our global carbon footprint per capita has significantly declined, from over 11 metric tons of CO₂ per person in the 1950s to just 4.7 metric tons in 2023.
This progress reflects our ability to adapt, innovate, and work collectively. Yes, we must transition away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources.
But we must also remember that this journey does not require perfection overnight. It requires courage, compassion, and a commitment to justice—ensuring that no one is left behind in the process.
Living in Harmony with Earth
The green transition must be “just” because it must empower—not displace—communities. It must inspire—not burden—us. It must heal—not divide. And above all, it must reconnect us with the knowledge that we were always meant to live in harmony with the Earth.
We already hold the seeds of change within us. Let us nurture them—through every act of care, every policy shift, and every innovation—to create a future where both people and the planet can thrive.
The power to change the world lies not in distant technologies or abstract ideas, but in us—our values, our choices, and our shared humanity.
