We invited to our first English-language edition of the Futures Lounge — a space for open reflection on long-term thinking, systemic transformation, and the role of alternative futures.

In this session, we focused on the so called Stellar approach — a systems-oriented framework developed to reimagine human development in the context of planetary boundaries and polycrisis dynamics. Originating from reflections on the global EnergyTransition, the approach begins by exploring the physical and societal implications of a full shift to renewable energy. Central to this is the idea of “stopping the X-flow” — decoupling socio-economic systems from extractive, linear resource use — and envisioning regenerative models for organizing production, consumption, and governance.

Richard Gill, Founder & CEO of RethinkX & Navigate X, introduced the conceptual foundations of the Stellar approach (described in the book Stellar – a World beyond Limits and how to get there): a framework grounded in system dynamics, future literacy, and alternative value regimes.

Helmut Modlik, CEO of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, shared how key elements of the Stellar approach are being applied within the Māori community of Ngāti Toa in Aotearoa New Zealand – embedding futures thinking in cultural identity, governance, and long-term communityplanning.

Together, we discussed how futures and scenario thinking can support the transition to post-extractive, locally rooted yet globally connected societies.