Background of the Natural Step As a scientist at Sweden's leading cancer research institute, physician Dr. Karl Henrik Robert was concerned that increasing cancer rates, especially among young children such as those he was treating, were tied to environmental factors. He was frustrated by the lack of agreement among scientists about the cause or what to do, so he began a consensus process which resulted in 50 leading Swedish scientists agreeing on the underlying principles needed for sustainability. This information was then shared with major corporations who recognized the need for action. Leading artists, musicians and scientists produced a national TV special in 1989 to launch an educational campaign and TNS as a non-profit backed by the King of Sweden. This seminar introduces the public and community, school, government and corporate leaders to the Natural Step and assists them in using it in their workplaces, community, and personal lives.
Participants move beyond the complexity of details to system principles and shared models and goals.
We then look at evolution and natural cycles to understand the present status of the planet. Using these scientific principles, we examine the core of TNS, the four conditions or principles for sustainability. Particular attention is given to the powerful explanatory tools of Material Flow Theory and Basic Needs Analysis of Manfred Max-Neef, which expands TNS into an invaluable tool for addressing both social and environmental considerations. Also, option to watch 20 minute video on how TNS is being used by University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center. We show slides and discuss how TNS is used by communities and businesses.