A Thought Experiment
Can Local Recreation Areas Be Expanded?
Every single tree and every single plant could enhance “concrete jungles” in a number of ways. Who does not inherently know this? Yet can the lack of action be explained by disagreeable decision-makers, the expense, or a lack of knowledge of nature-oriented concepts in the context of building projects in metropolitan areas and cities? Switzerland was once largely wooded and, naturally, less people lived here in years gone by. In the Middle Ages in particular, the demand for pasture and building land changed and accordingly, the clearing and burning of woodland began. Many animal and plant species were victims of these changes. Are people treating flora and fauna in a more considerate manner at the moment, or rather is the alarming news about systematic extermination falsified? How decisive are power interests and finances on different levels? Are there still people who do not view their way of life in the context of global environmental catastrophes?
Sustainable Connections
Frugality should be the guiding principle. Less can be more. Possible approaches include reduced power consumption, the considered use of means of transport and the deliberate sorting of waste, or rather dynamic recycling. Eating less while eating in a more mindful way does not mean sacrificing enjoyment, and this would reduce healthcare costs, which have risen astronomically. This is practicable in all of our daily lives and is affordable for everyone, regardless of budget. The necessary resources are available, especially in Switzerland. People are practising the art of wasting as little food as possible and searching for environmentally friendly alternatives. It is therefore important and a matter of urgency that politicians and civil servants, as well as banks and industry, serve as an example, demonstrate their commitment and act in a way that preserves nature and the environment. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning is also a relevant topic in this context, and both are being used more and more these days.
Economics and Health
Is it still possible to make your way through town without facing the dilemma posed by the “pressure to buy”? Salaries should rise unremittingly? If not, people speak of factors like stagflation, inflation and VAT increases and cheat their way into seemingly cheap residential properties with holidays that are exempt from withholding tax. This results in overpriced housing. In addition, with global warming, cost-cutting measures for heating costs that revolve around insulation and have been comprehensive for some time often present significant health risks if there is an inadequate indoor climate. Higher temperatures all year round (temperatures that well exceed twenty-three degrees) have been shown to negatively affect the motivation and activity levels of individuals of retirement age, as well as their ability to perform cognitive tasks. This is becoming more and more of a problem. Savings are being made in the wrong places, and retrofits are in some cases only possible at great expense or not at all.
The adverse effects on the productivity of working people should also not be underestimated. Contrary to legislation, in many places, people are forced to accept high temperatures in the workplace. Illnesses and the externalisation of costs onto insurance companies and society are inevitable. This systemic risk is to some extent deliberately concealed. Those who touch upon it could face a range of possible consequences. Unfortunately, in some places, health is rarely brought into connection with the quality of living conditions and productivity.
Paradoxically, the costs in the likes of the care sector are increasing, not least due to the factors mentioned. Interestingly, more cost-effective overseas clinics for people who are willing to recover sometimes offer a larger range of services and are superior.
Location-Based Marketing Redefined
Having more green spaces would be a boon for humans and animals. Healthcare costs could be reduced in the long run, and productivity could be increased. Digitalisation and the opportunities it offers also plays a central role. There has never been such an extensive range of opportunities available to us as there are today. The question that therefore arises is: how quickly can we benefit from these advances and sensibly utilise them without placing basic rights at risk or allowing ourselves to be controlled by a small few? Communication and intelligent communications systems are an important piece of this puzzle. Humankind has rarely lacked financial means and resources. Instead, for centuries, competition for resources, claims to power, various prerequisites and knowledge levels have been central topics. Nevertheless, one positive development can be noted, namely the fact that more people are thinking for themselves and playing an active role, and one’s wallet is not the only thing taking priority. As is widely known, the commitment and knowledge of every individual are not a matter of expense but some of the most promising achievements of our society.
