Respecting our planet (and ensuring a future to humanity) ultimately means re-thinking and changing our ways of using the resources, and of interacting with the natural and physical environment. Respecting our planet requires primarily system change and a new breed of politicians. But it also requires social change and individual shifts in behaviour.

System change and individual change are often presented as mutually exclusive options. However, as noted by Jussi Pasanen, system change can only be instigated through the coordinated efforts of individuals. One cannot choose between individual change and system change. Rather, one can choose to: 1) become aware and develop a deeper understanding of a problem, 2) do something about it on a personal level, and 3) encourage change in others and push for transformation in the system (something that is done more effectively by joining action groups).

Pasanen J. 2019. Individual change or system change is not the right question.