Just like these worldviews are not inherently good or bad, they’re also not inherently sustainable. Each worldview brings qualities and possibilities as well as pitfalls in addressing our planetary issues. For example, traditional worldviews may coincide with a willingness to sacrifice for the common good and live in more sober ways, while generally having less affinity with green values. Modern worldviews offer possibilities with their emphasis on science and technology – crucial in the transition to more sustainable economies – while also being associated with more reductionist and exploitative attitudes towards nature (which are detrimental to sustainability).
At the same time, certain worldviews are more inclined to care about sustainability issues than others. As this study showed, people with postmodern and integrative worldviews displayed significantly more concern about climate change as well as more sustainable behaviors, compared with moderns and traditionals. This makes sense, as environmental values fit with the larger story of postmodern and integrative worldviews, including their views on nature (which are more conducive to a mindset and ethic of global sustainability than the other two worldviews).
While some worldviews are thus more inclined towards sustainable values and lifestyles, for addressing our pressing global issues a diversity of worldviews is generally preferable. Of course, differences in worldview can – and often do – lead to misunderstanding, conflict, and inertia. Yet the diversity in solutions and strategies they bring forth may prove crucial in helping us adapt and transform as a society. Including different perspectives is also considered crucial for advancing the creative collaboration needed to address complex problems.
Thus, though some worldviews are more inherently aligned with environmental values and purposes, a diversity of worldviews and perspectives tends to offer the best chances for coming to the most innovative and inclusive solutions for our planetary problems.