Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Sprach- und literaturwissenschaftliche Fakultät - Nordeuropa-Institut

My main argument is that we, who live today, must think and act in solidarity with future generations. We can influence the planet's future ecosystem more than ever with significant consequences for the lives and health of our descendants. There is an increase in lifetime exposure to extreme events, and future people will be more exposed to extreme weather. Young people living today, and future unborn generations have little or no influence on today’s political decisions.

Solidarity is based on the idea that equal individuals should support each other to achieve something collectively and that no one should be left behind or disadvantaged. How can we act in solidarity with people who have not yet been born?

This question is answered by defining two core dimensions of solidarity. One is reciprocity, which in terms of solidarity with future generations is redefined as indirect reciprocity or a kind of stewardship. This is based on the perception that we do not own the nature we have access to. The other dimension is that current generations must establish self-imposed institutional constraints for the sake of future generations.

Four examples of institutional constraints are discussed, three at the national level and one at the global level: national constitutions, national political institutions, national economic debt or savings, and the UN Agenda 2030 with the sustainable development goals.

I conclude by arguing that all political actions – and the strategies they are based on – carry with them ideas about the future. We must therefore be aware of our ideas about the future and how we commit ourselves to follow them up. By incorporating a future perspective into today's thinking of solidarity, it is easier to understand how we must act today for the world to be liveable for both us and those who come after us.