*Captain’s log, star-date 46698,
The starship Cascadia has been tasked to examine an unusually rapid build-up of atmospheric CO2 levels on Sol-3. While our sensors confirmed this, and while the inhabitants seem to be pre any significant space travel, our away team observed pockets of resistance against this trajectory, with one of them being called U-B-C. While on the ground, a place colder than we were expecting, disguised, we started interacting with the local inhabitants. One of them, identifying himself as Jacob, was not native to the region and it required significant fine-tuning of universal translators in order to understand the unique manner of his speech. He had relocated specifically to study what locals call urban ecosystems and green infrastructure, the relationship between their settlements and the natural systems surrounding them.
Our chief science officer was intrigued by him, as he had travelled across the planet to be here, and considered him a good subject for human field work. He spoke of a planetary framework the humans called Sustainable Development Goals, or as he called them, S-D-G, which attempted to coordinate action across the divided planet. He highlighted two in particular, Sustainable Cities and Climate Action, noting their connection to his studies. (1) While he described regret at the way he travelled here, namely through what appeared to be a pressurised metal cylinder propelled by controlled explosions, he described using a primitive, yet effective tool for quantifying atmospheric damage, calling it “MyClimate”. He reasoned that through offset payments, he was funding verified projects that reduce emissions while supporting communities in developing regions. (2)
The subject’s daily behaviours were consistent with several of the planet’s S-D-G. The transit system is mandatory for all students at the institution, which was the result of a collective decision by the inhabitants themselves. (3) This was a promising sign of democratic action and environmentally conscious action (SDG-11/13). Additionally, Jacob is committed to eating fewer animal products during his stay, saying that significant planetary resources were being used in order to supply these, something which was corroborated by sensor readings. He demonstrated several tools on his handheld communication device, such as “HappyCow”, to find local animal-product-free alternatives and “Too Good To Go” to reduce food waste, highlighting their simplicity and adaptability to personal preference (SDG-12). (4) (5) Finally, the human seems enthusiastic to interact with his new environment and uses “iNaturalist” to identify endemic organic matter, helping him feel more connected to his surroundings (SDG-15). (6)
While preliminary sensor readings did seem to indicate the conventional primitive unsustainable escalation of development, there does seem to be cause for hope. Climatic action was observed all around the planet, which may lead to a deescalation in time. As we prepare to embark on our next expedition, I find myself being optimistic that the inhabitants of this planet will persevere and join us in the stars one day.
End of Captain’s Log. *
1: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
2: https://co2.myclimate.org/en/flight_calculators/new
3: https://planning.ubc.ca/transportation/transit/u-pass-compass-card
4: https://www.happycow.net/north_america/canada/british_columbia/vancouver/
5: https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us
6: https://www.inaturalist.org
