On the balance of things

Am looking forward to joining Miguel Neves and Guy Bigwood at the Skift Meetings Destination Experience Summit later this month.

In a recent planning session for the event, where I’ve been asked to discuss the connection between extreme weather, climate change and events, Miguel asked me: how do you balance those things?

Tuning into my reaction to the question, I realised I was triggered, and had to take a moment to gather my thoughts.

I was first exposed to John Elkington’s concept of the triple bottom line in university. It was an idea the event community embraced with gusto roughly 20 years ago and to this day balancing people, planet and profit still lingers as core language in sustainability-related discussions, decision-making, strategies, articles and comments across the community.

I had to admit to Miguel: I question the assumption of balance.

Why?

To begin with, John Elkington himself has proposed the need for “a strategic recall” of his framework to do some fine-tuning. In 2018 he called for a wave of innovation across business to increase the pace and scale of efforts that avoid overshooting planetary boundaries. 

With recent analysis evidencing how six of those nine planetary boundaries have been transgressed it’s clear there has been a failure to heed his call to action. One can’t help but ask: has the language of balance only furthered delay?

I also have to question whether the public itself is balanced in its views on climate change. Research suggests that this is not the case, and panel discussions that present “both sides” views may create the impression that audiences are less supportive of measures to act decisively than they actually are.

Lastly, I have to acknowledge the primary reason for my unexpected emotional reaction to the question: an acceptance that balance has been a tool I’ve used to perpetuate my privilege. It has allowed me to do things I’d prefer to do, and avoid doing less of what I would rather not give up. And I have to ask: is that fair? 

So my honest answer is a question: Is it time to take the language of balance off its three legged pedestal for a while and kick it, and the assumptions it carries, around for a bit? Might be surprised at the opportunities that shake loose.

If you’re interested in exploring these kinds of questions I hope you’ll join us on May 22.