50,000,000 Australians? Is sustainability possible?

Abstract

Some things are impossible, because of immutable laws of nature and the limits of science. It is reasonable to believe that only in the pages of science fiction or the darkness of the movie theatre is it possible to change the speed of light, create a gravity ray, or de-materialise matter to be re-formed in another place. For many, the ideal of sustainability fits alongside these impossibilities, as a dream of the impractical theoretician which can never be realised.The sustainability sceptics are partly right. If we continue to do things the way we do now, then sustainability is impossible. But we also know that given an enormous focus of intellect and endeavour, we often do achieve the impossible.Light can be slowed or sped up, matter transfer can be made to happen, and a gravity ray can be created. These are all discoveries of physics in the last couple of years. In the lifetime of our children the practical effects of these and other "impossible" discoveries will be felt. An enormous application of funds and intellectual endeavour has made the impossible, possible. This isthe basis for hope that we can also achieve sustainability, provided that the best of our intellect and our energies are focused in this direction. Our aim with this study is to look at how that focus can be achieved, to trigger the radical innovation that is needed to ensure our and our children's ability to enjoy the fruits of this magnificent country.