Mental Models and Sustainable Development Goals: How to Transition to a Sustainable World

Mental Models and Sustainable Development Goals: How to Transition to a Sustainable World Abstract The main impediment to transitioning to a sustainable world is not a lack of information, knowledge or technology, but rather the desire and motivations of people. Global sustainability is a collective problem and collective problems require collective action. Unfortunately, the most efficient way to deliver important change is through the free market. Yet, market solutions are problematic since the majority of people are driven by short-term rewards. While the free market can and must be used to solve sustainability issues, the market must be assisted to help achieve quicker response to long-term goals such as global sustainability and climate change. Making this happen thus requires changing mindsets or mental models of citizens, particularly in the United States where ideological differences and the drive for economic growth impede progress.