Now that the economy has come to a halt, let’s have a look at what we can learn from the crisis. A growing number of Dutch scientists argue that while COVID-19 is disruptive, it also offers an opportunity to make our society radically more sustainable.
In their (Dutch) manifesto, they plead that now – and not the near future – is the right time to get rid of business as usual. One of their five proposals is to radically limit our travel movements to those that are really necessary or meaningful. Other Dutch research by the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy, shows that one third of the people, forced to meet remotely due to COVID-19, want to continue to do so more often in the future.
Is that really possible?
It is nice to see that there is a movement of people who want to. But wanting something is different from actually doing it. Especially when we realize that there are twice as many people who apparently do not intend to continue to meet remotely. Probably because they think the video meetings are a mess. There is only one way we can get it done. Making sure those video meetings get so damn good that no one dares to propose to start traveling again instead. That’s easy with the help of Yabbu.
How does that work?
The key to success is applying a solid structure and clear focus in advance. If we are not going to do that, the aim to keep substantially more remote meetings due to COVID-19, is doomed to fail. And you know what? Applying this key even turns out to be fun. In the run-up, handle as many informative, practical and administrative matters as possible. Creating space for those one or two topics that really should be discussed face-to-face. And it leaves time for everyone to get their job done.
Are you joining us?
Do you want fewer traffic jams? Less flying? Better air quality? Care for the generations after us? Have more time for the things in life that really matter? It’s possible. If we start now. So that when we are allowed to travel again, we will not fall back into bad old habits.
Let’s make the way we meet more sustainable once and for all.
