Intensive globalisation, recalling the triple bottom line and changing capitalism with John Elkington

In this special edition of the Futuring Podcast, Forum’s Founder, environmental activist, and author, Jonathon Porritt, sits down with John Elkington, Founder and Chief Pollinator at Volans and one of the original founders of the sustainability movement in Europe.

Tune in to hear John reflect on some of the shifts he has witnessed in the last 25 years, starting with the rise and more recent decline of globalisation, and the sense that the current incarnation of the capitalist system might be entering a period of ‘decomposition’. Bringing his historical perspective and in-depth knowledge of dynamic trends today, John outlines the ‘existential crisis’ for capitalism and how he sees elements of a ‘new order’ emerging. 

He looks back further to consider the influence of green consumerism and the concept of the ‘triple bottom line’ – both of which he gave birth to – and of the need to move beyond them into a new, ambitious form of business responsibility for resilience, regeneration and systemic change.

Explore more at thefuturescentre.org/fos2021

About the Future of Sustainability: Looking Back to Go Forward

Produced by international sustainability non-profit, Forum for the Future, the Future of Sustainability: Looking Back to Go Forward is a unique opinion and commentary series set to explore lessons learned from the last 25 years in the sustainability movement and what they mean for the future.

Based on new and exclusive insights from diverse voices across the sustainability movement, we'll examine where we have succeeded and where we have failed in creating real change. We’ll consider how the world is responding to today's multifaceted challenges and opportunities, and what pivots might be needed if we’re to deliver at scale and pace. Lastly, we'll look forward - exploring how we can reframe the goals of the system, reset our ambition, and encourage the adoption of new mindsets and approaches critical to creating what’s really needed: a truly just and regenerative future. 

With thanks to our partners
Looking Back to Go Forward was made possible thanks to the generous support from our partners: Laudes Foundation, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Target, M&S, Capgemini, Bupa, 3M, CTPA, Burberry, Olam Food Ingredients, and in particular our headline sponsor, SC Johnson

All opinions expressed by their interviewees are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Forum for the Future.
Interview recorded on 15th October 2021.

This audio features the song "Boulevard" by Yung Kartz available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.