European Outdoor Group Director Christian Schneidermeier thinks inner development could be the missing link for sustained climate action.

Business as usual – in an emergency?

In September, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) revealed that 7 of the 9 critical Earth system boundaries have now been breached. We all know what this means, yet it’s still business as usual. The headlines remain dominated by the latest war frontlines or the US tariffs. Climate Emergency? Sorry, but we have other fish to fry.

One can easily get the impression that more and more people are blocking or working actively against a positive development in society. But at this year’s Inner Development Goals Summit in Stockholm, I experienced that the number of people who want to see positive change is also rising.

Inner development enables outer change

Here, I was one of almost a thousand participants from around the world. What an experience to be part of a social field of instant and deep personal interconnections between like-minded people you have never met before.

We heard about the updated Inner Development Guide, a tool-kit of 25 skills in 5 dimensions, which research shows as among the most important skills for personal and team development. Because one thing is clear: While we can’t change the behavior and beliefs of others, neuroscience shows that we can change ourselves. Inner growth is needed to enable and support outer change.

The outdoor industry’s role

I see Inner Development as the key to unfold the huge potential everyone of us has inside to contribute to a better world. And the Outdoor Industry has so much potential to support people finding a new lifestyle in connection with their inner self, with other people and most important of all, in connection with nature.

“The window of cure is still open,” says PIK Director Johan Rockström.

To keep this window open, we need to be many. Everyone counts. Every single action, every single day. Open the door, get out and gain your energy in nature. Don’t forget: You make a difference. Every single moment.

Lead Photo: Cristofer Maximilian / Unsplash