2443: Rethinking Evolution and Sustainable Development Goals

 I’ve recently started reading 進化思考 (Evolution Thinking) by Eisuke Tachikawa. Although I’m still in the early stages, the prologue alone has sparked deep reflections about evolution and its connection to our present world. Tachikawa emphasizes a simple yet profound point: everything that exists today—whether living beings or human-made objects—has survived or been crafted through the process of evolution. Species, tools, infrastructure, even intangible systems, are outcomes of adaptation and change. They continue to exist because they have succeeded in meeting the needs of the present. Conversely, things that disappear or become obsolete do so because they’re no longer necessary or relevant.

This idea applies not only to living organisms but also to the designed world around us. Consider a chair, a train system, or the layout of a city. All of these evolve over time based on feedback, needs, and purpose. Designers don’t work in isolation—they respond to how people use these creations, constantly improving and refining. Evolution never stops. When something stops evolving, it essentially denies the very concept of evolution.

This brings me to a question I’ve been grappling with: how does this principle of evolution align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The SDGs aim to sustain and improve our current quality of life on a global scale. At first glance, this seems like a noble and necessary mission, especially given the many technological advances and comforts of modern living. But is our current situation truly the best we can aspire to?

Let’s take the example of energy. Right now, the focus is on transitioning to sustainable energy sources to support ongoing economic growth. But what if we could develop entirely new, non-hydrocarbon-based power sources that are vastly superior? Would the goals of sustaining today’s systems still be relevant, or would they need to evolve alongside our capabilities?

What strikes me as odd is that many discussions around the SDGs seem backward-looking. They seek to preserve what we have rather than explore what we could become. It’s as though we’re afraid to question whether our current trajectory is the most optimal one. In doing so, we may be limiting our potential to adapt and evolve in ways we can’t yet foresee.

Evolution, both biological and technological, thrives on change, adaptation, and experimentation. While the SDGs aim to create stability, we need to be mindful of the risk of stagnation. If we’re truly committed to long-term sustainability, we should also be willing to embrace the unknown and foster the conditions for future evolution. It’s not just about sustaining life as it is, but nurturing the conditions for it to evolve into something better.

In this way, evolution thinking can assist us in re-examining the SDGs, not as static objectives but as dynamic, evolving goals. We must allow room for humanity—and our technologies—to continue evolving in ways that might challenge our current understanding of sustainability.