Transforming Cultures

The consumer culture has spread around the world, with more than 2 billion people now considered to be part of the global consumer class. This cultural system encourages people to define their happiness and success through how much they consume. But on a finite planet, this system is maladaptive and threatens to cause significant disruptions to Earth's climate and ecosystems, and subsequently to human civilization. If we do not shift to a new cultural norm in the coming decades, achieving a sustainable society will remain out of reach.

Worldwatch Institute's Transforming Cultures project turns a critical eye to how we can shift today's consumer culture to a culture of sustainability. The key to this transformation will lie in harnessing institutions that play a central role in shaping society-such as the media, educational services, business, governments, traditions, and social movements-to instill this new cultural norm.

The conversation starts here, via a blog that offers reflections on current research threads, case studies, and an insider's look at Worldwatch's upcoming report, State of the World 2010: Transforming Cultures: From Consumerism to Sustainability.

The report, scheduled for release in January 2010, will include approximately 40 articles from eminent researchers and experts on consumerism, sustainability, and cultural change. It will provide information on how we can make the needed shift to a culture of sustainability and illustrate how people around the world are already taking important steps.

Staff

Erik Assadourian, Project Director

Helene Gallis, Project Assistant

Kevin Green, Project Assistant

Amy Han, Project Intern

Eddie Kasner, Project Intern

Valentina Agostinelli, Project Intern

Major Projects

State of the World 2010: Transforming Cultures: From Consumerism to Sustainability
Worldwatch's newest State of the World report, to be released in January 2010, will describe the cultural shift needed to put humanity on a sustainable course.

Transforming Cultures Blog
This blog provides insight into the cultural shift that is needed-and is already occurring-to put humanity on a sustainable course. Check here for the latest news and analysis, as well as updates on progress on State of the World 2010.

Recent Publications

Worldwatch Institute has been investigating consumerism for many years. The Transforming Cultures project brings the Institute's efforts to a new level, looking at how to proactively and intentionally shift human societies away from the consumer culture to a new culture of sustainability.

State of the World 2004: The Consumer Society

How Much Is Enough? The Consumer Society and the Future of the Earth

Visit our bookstore to learn about other Worldwatch publications.