1.1 First some history

In the 1980s, Swedish pediatric oncologist Karl-Henrik Robèrt saw to his chagrin that the number of children visiting his practice was increasing every year. He concluded that we were investing more time and money in combating consequences than in preventing causes. Consider the increasing pollution, particularly the widespread use of carcinogens that build up in nature. This was the beginning of his mission to help make the world more sustainable.

Karl Hendrik soon discovered that everyone seemed to contradict each other when it came to sustainability. A shared goal or systematic approach to cure the patient “the earth” was lacking. Together with scientists, education, governments and business, he developed 4 basic scientific principles for sustainability that together with a strategic approach help design a sustainable future. It was the start of The Natural Step and the beginning of a growing movement worldwide.

Since 1989, millions of people have been introduced to The Natural Step and thousands of small and large organizations from all over the world have adopted this way of working and thinking. Step by step towards a sustainable society.