The Defining Decade

Joel Baudin

Mon, Nov 9, 2020

Photo by The New York Public Library

This decade we're now in, from 2020 to 2030, has the potential to be the most consequential period in history. We can all feel it—that underlying base emotion of fear and uncertainty—caused by frequent wildfires, destroyed ecosystems, and global pandemics, putting the world to a halt. It lays bare the fragility of our existence and the unsustainability of our ways.

Indeed, many would and will object the sentences written above. Many don't believe that climate change is real. Others think Covid-19 is a hoax, and some that the earth is flat. This text may not be for them. Impact Fest may not be for them.

It is for you.

The human on this round, spinning planet that exists in a bigger system. Who choose to listen to logic and not put your head in the sand, who actively want to make it better and believe that you can.

The countdown to a better future

The TED Countdown initiative has immensely inspired us. Countdown's stated goal is: "To build a better future by cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 in the race to a zero-carbon world – a world that is safer, cleaner, and fairer for everyone."

We believe it to be an undeniable fact that this decade will define us. It will define us as individuals and as communities. As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, it will determine the future our children will grow up in. We're committed to do what we can for it to be one of positivity, possibility, and to lead by example so they will grow up to be stewards of the future themselves. We need to be the examples that previous generations failed to be, so they will feel the responsibility of leaving it better than they found it.

We're now in an almost insurmountable position due to past decisions, and if these upcoming ten years will define the next thousand years, what should we do about it? It starts with a commitment to action. After that, each and everyone should look at what future they desire and how they can maximize their positive impact. We want to tell you that your impact matters a lot and encourage you to think about what you want to do. What is the future you want?

What will define us during this decade?

We've committed to doing all we can to support entrepreneurs solving the real and critical problems that make life on this planet better.

We believe that the most impactful thing for us to do is to help as many people as possible solve as many problems as possible. And encourage them to turn around and do the same. Human ingenuity will prevail if we work together.

In the real world

To make it concrete. We will create a context and a community for impactful innovation to thrive. We want to contribute on a regional level in the High Coast and on a national level to make Sweden a shining example of radical change.

Our first stab at this is Impact Fest. We believe that this event will, on a local level, be the spark that starts the fire. We commit to run and improve it throughout the decade because change does not happen overnight. It doesn't happen in a year. Significant change and impact at scale will most likely take ten years, likely more. So it's paramount that we start now.

The inaugural event, Impact Fest One, is happening on May 21-23 of 2021, and in 2030 we will celebrate our tenth anniversary at Impact Fest Ten. That's ten chances of impacting change, ten opportunities to mobilize all of the skills and people in this region and this country. We are so damn excited at this opportunity.

Of course, it will be a challenging endeavor; positive impact at scale will hinge on each individual's re-imagination of what's possible and discarding the status quo.

But we can do it, and we must do it. It will define us, and we have no choice but to succeed.

I leave you with these words and encouragement to think about what your Earthshot will be.

Are you a change maker?

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