Systems Change Explained: What It Is and How It Works
29/07/2026
What does systems change actually mean? Watch the fourth video in our global commons explainer series, to find out what systems change means, why it’s urgent, and how it actually happens in practice.
Our current systems weren’t built for a planet under this much pressure.
But transforming our relationship with nature isn’t about one sector acting alone. Systems change requires:
– new values of collaborative stewardship and responsibility,
– governance that’s transparent and accountable,
– economies that work within planetary boundaries, and
– science and lived experience guiding decisions together.
Above all, it means centering the people most affected by environmental and social change, and moving fast, together.
Watch our latest video to find out what systems change looks like in practice – and join us in building it.
Credits
- Narrated by Rachel Jetel, Co-Director, SystemsChangeLab, World Resources Institute
- Narrative support from Irene Berman-Vaporis, Systems Change Lab, and Elise van Breda and Joy van Breda, Somewhat Greener
- Footage from Open Planet – images are freely available at OpenPlanet.org
- Music by Ura Megis from Pixabay
