Brain waves

The world is in chaos. There is a war in Europe. There is a cost of living crisis. And all the while, temperatures are increasing to unsustainable degrees.¹

We need to find new solutions. The best tool we have might be our minds. As the French philosopher VoltaireA French enlightenment writer, historian and philosopher known for his criticism of Christianity and slavery. wrote: "No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking."

Here are some of the ideas that could change the world for the better.

Living with nature

We need to stop using so much plastic. But how? One idea is to create entirely natural materials to replace plastic. Last year, designer Stella McCartney revealed clothes made from Mylo, a sustainable, vegan leather made from mushrooms. 

Other companies have revealed furniture made from algae, flower pots made of lobster shells, roofs made from seaweed, buildings made of discarded cork and even pottery made from manure.

Learning from history

2023 may mark the point where we start to learn from the past.

Cities are turning to ancient techniques to cool themselves. The Spanish city of Seville has started building underground canals which can reduce heat by 10 degrees C, inspired by a 3,000-year old system used in Ancient PersiaA historic region of southwestern Asia, linked to the area that is now Iran. .

Scientists are looking even further back. Some brain conditions, including autism and Alzheimer's diseaseA progressive disease that causes brain damage over time. It is a common cause of dementia. , were born as the human brain evolved to its modern form. Scientists hope find treatments for these by studying NeanderthalAn extinct species of human that lived until 40,000 years ago. DNA.

Local over global

Russia's war in Ukraine has increased energy prices and caused food shortages. Countries are beginning to focus on making themselves secure against global problems by focusing on creating their own crops and energy sources.

Cities are limiting tourism to protect locals. Venice will introduce an entry ticket for day-trippers. Barcelona has limited the size of groups.

Yes: Humans have advanced through a series of great ideas. From the wheel to the combustion engine, paper to the Internet, herbs to painkillers, we owe our health and society to the power of thought. 

No: Thinking is important. But it is the doing that really matters. Our greatest power comes from taking ideas and acting upon them. Too much time spent thinking can stop us getting things done.

Or... The ability to think is a powerful one. But it is also our biggest flaw. Ideas can be toxic. Thinking has led us to ruin the Earth, fight wars and pit ourselves against others.