2024-12-15 00:40:00
Time.news – Is it possible to improve the planet without giving up progress? The essay starts from this utopian but reasonable reflection “Rediscover the human. Because there is no sustainability without Health, Human and Happiness” written by Massimo Lapucci, Manager and Senior Advisor, International fellow on Artificial Intelligence at yale University and by Stefano Lucchini, Chief Institutional Affairs and External Communication Officer of Intesa Sanpaolo which comes out in bookstores today, published by Baldini+Castoldi-La Nave di Theseus.
The authors investigate without reticence on the current and pressing topic of ESG principles (Environmental, Social and Governance) and in particular on the need for their renewal.A renewal that according to Lapucci and Lucchini starts from an H, the H of Health, but also of Human, Heart and consequently, as sublimated in the American declaration of Independence, of Happiness, giving rise to a new acronym “ESG+H” which sees the human being as a Person “integrated into the global village” in terms of health, sustainability and well-being.
A truly pragmatic manifesto on the ESG of the future in which Lapucci and Lucchini, both with vast and qualified experience in both the corporate and non-profit worlds, retrace the historical evolutions during the industrial revolutions, passing through the most current issues of work, AI and ethical finance and accompany the reader in the rediscovery of that drive, already manifested in the century of the Enlightenment, to bring the dignity of the Person back to the centre, in a hoped-for new humanism, as the pursuit of collective well-being.
“Rediscovering the human” starts from the awareness that in an era of radical transformations,it is necessary to rethink the concept of sustainability,proposing an innovative vision of ESG that goes beyond traditional parameters and introducing the human element as a basic catalyst for change. ItS not just about metrics and measurements, but about building a future in which technological progress and sustainability can merge with the well-being of the Person.This paradigm shift is represented precisely by ESG+H, where health, the person and happiness become essential elements for truly sustainable development.
“The twenty-year benefits linked to ESG sustainability, though objective, risk being nullified by criticism and suspicions about their actual effectiveness – states Massimo Lapucci - In recent years, ESG principles have sometimes been inflated, altered by communication needs, or even instrumentally eroded to the point of making them a bureaucratic fulfillment or a mere budgetary quantification. This is why the new ESG+H paradigm first of all wants to stimulate reflection for the renewal of a precious tool which, starting from the Person and in harmony with the planet, can have repercussions on the enhancement of working conditions, the economy and thus society as a whole, for a truly sustainable future”.
“In a constantly evolving world,the needs related to ESG sustainability are not a recent phenomenon,but a principle that has its roots in the industrial revolutions that preceded us,- states Stefano Lucchini – Each economic transformation has brought with it new challenges for the surroundings and society,and today,more then ever,it is essential to renew our approach to sustainability starting from a simple consideration: we cannot talk about sustainability without thinking about the human being in his entirety. The new one ESG+H dimension that we propose in our essay places the health, well-being and dignity of the Person at the centre, as the basis for a desired new humanism”.
What are some examples of community-driven projects that promote health and happiness while addressing sustainability issues?
Interview between time.news Editor and Massimo Lapucci
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Massimo! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss your new essay, ”Rediscover the human”. Your premise is intriguing—can you explain what you mean by “there is no sustainability without Health,Human,and Happiness”?
Massimo Lapucci: thank you for having me! The essence of our argument is that sustainability is frequently enough framed solely in terms of environmental metrics,such as carbon emissions or energy consumption. Though, we believe that true sustainability encompasses the well-being of individuals and communities. Health, human connection, and happiness are foundational to a thriving society. If we neglect these aspects, any progress we achieve in sustainability will be short-lived.
Time.news Editor: That’s a compelling viewpoint. In your essay, you also suggest that we need to embrace progress rather than sacrifice it for the sake of sustainability. How can we reconcile these two seemingly opposing goals?
Massimo Lapucci: progress and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive; they can, and must, coexist. Innovation, especially in fields like artificial intelligence and renewable energy, has the potential to drive both economic growth and environmental stewardship. By focusing our technological advances on projects that improve quality of life and our planet,we can foster what we term “enduring progress”. This requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned collaboration. Can you elaborate on the role of institutions, such as Intesa Sanpaolo, in this journey towards a more sustainable future?
Massimo Lapucci: Institutions like Intesa Sanpaolo play a vital role. They not only fund and support sustainable projects but also influence behavior and policy through their investments and communications. By prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their operations, they can set an example and encourage other entities to follow suit. Moreover, they can facilitate partnerships between sectors—public, private, and academic—to innovate solutions that address pressing societal issues.
Time.news Editor: In your essay, do you explore specific strategies or examples where this integration of health, happiness, and progress is taking place?
Massimo lapucci: Absolutely. We highlight initiatives from various sectors, such as urban planning that incorporates green spaces for mental health, or tech companies that prioritize employee well-being alongside productivity. We also look at community-driven projects where citizens actively participate in decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and happiness.These examples illustrate how aligning health and happiness with sustainable practices can yield comprehensive benefits.
Time.news Editor: This alignment sounds crucial,especially as we face global challenges like climate change and health crises. What message do you hope readers take away from your essay?
Massimo Lapucci: I hope readers will come away with a renewed sense of optimism. While the challenges we face are daunting, they can also serve as catalysts for meaningful change. If we reorient our values towards a holistic understanding of sustainability—one that prioritizes health and happiness alongside economic growth—we can truly innovate for a better future. It’s about rediscovering our humanity in the process.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Massimo. Your insights are incredibly valuable in these times. We look forward to readers engaging with your ideas in ”Rediscover the human”.
Massimo Lapucci: Thank you for the possibility! I hope our discussion ignites a conversation about the future we can create together.
