#futuregen

Lessons from a Small Country

by Jane Davidson

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Pub Date Aug 20 2020 | Archive Date Aug 10 2020

Nonfiction (Adult) | Politics

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Description

The inspirational story of how one small nation responded to global challenges by radically rethinking its duty to future generations

In #futuregen, Jane Davidson explains how, as Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing in Wales, she proposed what became the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015—the first piece of legislation in history to place regenerative and sustainable practice at the heart of government. Unparalleled in its scope and vision, the Act connects social, environmental, economic, and cultural well-being and looks to solve complex issues through better decision-making.

Davidson reveals how and why such groundbreaking legislation was forged in Wales—once reliant on its coal, iron, and steel industries—and explores how the shift from traditional economic growth to a more sustainable future is creating new opportunities for communities and governments all over the world.

#futuregen is the story of what can happen when a small, pioneering nation redefines prosperity through building on its strengths including its vast natural beauty, renewable energy resources, and resilient communities. It is an inspiring prototype and proof of what is possible in creating tools for a sustainable future.

JANE DAVIDSON is the Pro Vice-Chancellor Emeritus at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. From 2000 to 2011, she was Minister for Education, then Minster for Environment, Sustainability and Housing in the Welsh Government where she proposed legislation to make sustainable development its central organizing principle; the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act came into law in April 2015. She introduced the first plastic bag charge in the UK, One Planet Developments, and legislated on waste that has made Wales one of the top recycling countries in the world. She is an associate faculty member at Harvard University and lives on a smallholding in West Wales where each year she aims to live more lightly on the land.

The inspirational story of how one small nation responded to global challenges by radically rethinking its duty to future generations

In #futuregen, Jane Davidson explains how, as Minister for...

Advance Praise

“What Wales is doing today, the world will do tomorrow.”—Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary General

"Be inspired by this fascinating story of how Wales made into law the obligation for a country to pursue sustainable development on behalf of future generations." —Gro Harlem Brundtland , former Prime Minister of Norway and Director-General of the World Health Organization

"Jane Davidson was a pioneer in pushing forward Wales’s pathbreaking Future Generations Act, blazing a trail for the rest of the world, and WWF was delighted and honored to support her on that journey. Decision-makers everywhere should read her book to understand the importance of putting future generations at the heart of all they do and the actions needed to make that a reality."—Pavan Sukhdev, President, WWF International

"‘A truly pioneering Act that puts sustainability at the heart of every governmental decision combined with a country seeking to reimagine itself—the story of this revolutionary engine for change holds enormous possibility and is a true beacon of hope."—Michael Sheen OBE, actor and UNICEF ambassador

"‘As the effects of climate change and ecological degradation become ever more apparent it is not despair that must drive us, but action. Jane Davidson’s wonderful #futuregen tells the inspiring story of how one country stepped up with just that – a groundbreaking new law to protect the interests of future generations. For those searching for hope, this is a must-read."—Tony Juniper CBE, Environmentalist

"Politicians are not generally noted for their long-term, upstream thinking. Influenced by systems thinker Donella Meadows, Jane Davidson is an inspiring exception and has earned the gratitude of generations both future and current."—Roz Savage MBE, ocean rower and sustainability advocate

"‘Please give this book to the sons and daughters of our leaders, then ask them to give it to their parents. Maybe they won’t make the change needed for the people who voted them in, but they might just do it for their children."—David Hieatt, co-founder, Hiut Denim Co. and The Do Lectures; author

“What Wales is doing today, the world will do tomorrow.”—Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary General

"Be inspired by this fascinating story of how Wales made into law the obligation for a country to...