We´re in the midst of the sixth mass extinction in the history of life on earth. Climate change threatens the very survival of much of humankind within the 21st century, if we continue with business-as-usual.

What´s the cause? Well, in short: an economic system called capitalism, which has become more and more dominant in recent decades. The problem? Capitalism destroys its own foundations, which happen to be the foundations of all life on earth as well. Nature and life itself are turned into commodities only serving one goal: profit-making at all costs. A tiny elite is getting ever more powerful, at the cost of most other people and species.

Today, considering the extent of the ongoing destruction and the incipient collapse of essential ecosystems, a fundamental socio-ecological transformation is no longer just desired by the radical left, it´s absolutely essential for our survival. The creation of democratic post-growth societies based on solidarity is the goal we´ll have to work

towards in the coming decades. We can get there if we manage to reach new levels of cooperation and social innovation.

The theme day „Creatively defending life on earth“ focuses on promising initiatives and social movements in the fields of climate change, food and agriculture. While governments act ever more blatantly in the interest of the corporate elites and while established institutions prove to be inappropriate for promoting fundamental change, these growing movements are the biggest hope of our time. Elevate´s events will highlight their ideas, strategies and actions as well as the pathbreaking projects and initiatives they promote. They´ll show how people can join their effortsand be a part of the change we need.