A Thought Experiment
Can Local Recreation Areas Be Expanded?
Every tree and plant could enhance “concrete jungles” in several ways. Who does not inherently know this? Yet, can disagreeable decision-makers, the expense, or a lack of knowledge of nature-oriented concepts in building projects in metropolitan areas and cities explain the lack of action? Switzerland was once largely wooded and, naturally, fewer people lived here in years gone by. In the Middle Ages, 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 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 more mindfully does not mean sacrificing enjoyment, and this would reduce healthcare costs, which have risen astronomically. This is practicable daily and affordable for everyone, regardless of budget. The necessary resources are available, especially in Switzerland. People are practising wasting as little food as possible and searching for environmentally friendly alternatives. It is therefore essential and urgent that politicians, civil servants, banks, and industry serve as examples, 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 increasingly these days.
Economics and Health
Is it still possible to make your way through town without facing the “pressure to buy” dilemma? Salaries should rise unremittingly. If not, people speak of factors like stagflation, inflation, and VAT increases, cheating their way into seemingly cheap residential properties with holidays 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 and 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 sometimes only possible at great expense or not at all.
The adverse effects on working people's productivity should 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, health is rarely connected to the quality of living conditions and productivity in some places.
Paradoxically, costs in the care sector are increasing, not least due to the factors mentioned. Interestingly, more cost-effective overseas clinics for people 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 play a central role. There has never been such an extensive range of opportunities available to us as there are today. Therefore, the question arises: How quickly can we benefit from these advances and sensibly utilise them without placing fundamental rights at risk or allowing ourselves to be controlled by a small few? Communication and intelligent communications systems are an essential piece of this puzzle. Humankind has rarely lacked financial means and resources. Instead, competition for resources, claims to power, various prerequisites and knowledge levels have been central topics for centuries. Nevertheless, one positive development can be noted, namely that more people are thinking for themselves and playing an active role, and one’s wallet is not the only one 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.