We created this platform to create a space to imagine and challenge a sustainable future of Europe in 2050.
A few things about the project 'Stories from 2050: radical forward-looking imagery of sustainability opportunities and challenges ahead'.
How does it relate to the 'Clean Planet 2050' and the 'European Green Deal'?
The overall goal of this project is to support the further development of the vision of a Clean Planet 2050 and the implementation of the European Green Deal by harvesting and creating inspiring and thought-provoking imagery and narratives to better understand future challenges and opportunities and ultimately create a healthier, fairer, more prosperous and resilient Europe.
Europe is confronted with unprecedented and urgent environmental challenges, such as loss of biodiversity, resource overuse, the consequences of climate change, and fundamental risks to health and well-being (e.g. the COVID-19 pandemic). Its response to those challenges is framed by the European Green Deal, which aims to transform Europe and lead it to a sustainable future in line with the UN Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals.
We are particularly interested in yet unrecognised but potentially impactful narrative and imagery through which we may uncover new, previously underestimated future challenges and opportunities, consequences of success and failure and possible unlikely high-impact "wild card" events.
Narratives and stories are useful foresight tools, helping to prepare for possible future events, to imagine different outcomes from uncertain situations, to assess risks and opportunities, and ultimately to shape the future.
We built this platform to imagine and challenge the future of Europe in 2050 and to design together "Stories from 2050" that can be used to continue the conversation in the long run. This platform enables us to have a great space for sharing content and have deep conversations. Plus, by building this platform, we create a space for exchange that provides a valuable experience for all of us.
What you can expect from 'Stories from 2050'
We’re aiming to provide you a great experience. We want you to get three key things from 'Stories from 2050':
Discuss the future with us by sharing inspiring or provoking images, stories, and scenarios, either on our discussion board or by uploading files.
Swap stories, experiences, and ideas with others and find inspiration.
RSVP for our Futures Rooms kick-off events and play an active role in imagining a sustainable Europe in 2050.
A Futures Room is a virtual co-creation space to imagine and challenge a sustainable future of Europe in 2050. Set with us the foundation to create radical forward-looking images, stories and narratives that inspire and challenge us to create a sustainable Europe in 2050.
To make this a reality, we’re going to need your input. Every time you contribute a story, experience, or idea, you help to build a knowledge base on this platform, we can tap on to create new 'Stories from 2050'. And when you share this platform and invite in a few others, you’re empowering what we can accomplish with this together.
Project outline
We launched the official project platform and started the collection phase until March.
The Futures Rooms will kick-off in March. They are then open for a few weeks to collaborate and imagine!
In April, we will present the results of the Futures Rooms to the European Commission
Finally, from all input we will create 20-30 narratives and illustrations that will emphasise the ideas and storyline created in each Futures Room. The selection of final stories will be released on the project platform and are for you to share and engage.
"Let's start to imagine."