Introduction and background

It is widely acknowledged that one of the most significant and complex issues humanity has ever encountered is climate change. This complex challenge involves deeply ingrained political, social, cultural, and economic systems and environmental degradation. Agustí Corominas and Juan del Río’s documentary "Alter Nativas. Construyendo futuros posibles" (2023) [1] is a powerful examination of how grassroots efforts and group action might transform our perspective on sustainability and resilience in this regard. The documentary challenges prevailing notions that sustain inequality and ecological degradation while simultaneously showcasing the possibilities of local movements by community-driven answers to systemic crises.

"Alter Nativas” presents a profound exploration of systemic crises and the power of collective action to reimagine our relationship with the environment and society [2]. This article examines critical themes from the documentary, focusing on community-led transitions, the plurality of participatory practices, and the imperative to social and systemic redesign in climate action. Drawing on these themes, the article argues for a socioecological transition rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and sustainable coexistence. Condensed into the sentence, "Mucha gente pequeña, en lugares pequeños, haciendo cosas pequeñas, puede cambiar el mundo" (A lot of little people, in little places, doing little things, can change the world) the documentary’s main theme emphasises the transformational potential of group work, no matter how small in scope. Discussions concerning the need to reconsider our interactions with nature, one another, and the institutions that control our lives align with this sentiment. In addition to reflecting on personal agency, the movie promotes a socioecological shift based on empathy, diversity, and creativity.

The necessity of social and structural redesign as a response to systemic crises, the value of collective imagination in imagining alternative futures [3], and the role of plurality in the conceptualisation of sustainability are the three main topics that support my argument in light of the documentary [4]. I hope to relate the documentary’s message to more general conversations about climate resilience and to promote a deeper understanding of the interdependence between human societies and the natural environment through a redesign based on socioecological empathy. This kind of empathy creates a transformative vision of sustainability by transforming connections with the environment from transactional to caring and reciprocal [5].

The power of collective action: Scale and impact

Emphasising the transformative power of collective action, regardless of scale, is one of "Alter Nativas‴ most potent statements. The documentary highlights a range of grassroots movements that challenge institutional systems and bring about significant change through local initiatives. These illustrations draw attention to a fundamental reality: an action’s impact is not always determined by size. Small, neighbourhood-based initiatives can spark more extensive social changes when networks link and magnify them [6]. However, the effect of collective action extends beyond practical solutions. It fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among participants, challenging the narrative that individuals and small groups are powerless in global challenges like climate change [7]. This ethos reminds us that collective effort is greater than the sum of its parts [8]. This idea is emphasised by Rob Hopkins, a well-known supporter of community-led transition initiatives, in his book "The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience" [9]. He contends that communities may test and improve concepts that may eventually be implemented on a bigger scale by using localised acts as experimental laboratories. The Transition movement is a prime example of how grassroots activism can significantly impact policy and encourage other communities to follow suit. However, the ability of collective action to manage the conflict between dependency and vulnerability determines how effective it is [10]. Communities face external pressures from long-standing, change-resistant structures and internal issues like unequal participation. This twin problem necessitates a delicate balancing act between inclusion, resource allocation, and strategic vision to ensure that group activities are durable and sustainable.

Furthermore, the ability of grassroots movements to create networks that cut beyond local borders is essential to their success. These networks strengthen their influence, exchange expertise, and foster a sense of camaraderie among participants by tying disparate activities together. The documentary demonstrates this interconnectivity through instances of international movements that, albeit having their roots in local contexts, support a shared vision of a sustainable and just future [11,12]. In summary, the strength of group efforts resides not just in their capacity to tackle local issues but also in their capacity to stimulate systemic transformation. Grassroots movements provide a model for a transformative and inclusive socioecological transition by showcasing small-scale projects’ success and building solidarity networks.

What kind of transition do we want?

When discussing climate resilience and sustainability, the concept of transition is essential. The question of what kind of transition we anticipate becomes crucial as countries struggle with the intertwined crises of economic and political instability, social injustice, and climate change. The documentary “Alter Nativas” challenges us to think about the nature, direction, and inclusion of transition in addition to its necessity. It encourages critical thought about the options available and their trade-offs. Fundamentally, transition is a process of change that reorganises practices, values, and systems [13]. Transitions, however, can take many shapes based on the individuals, priorities, and settings involved. The documentary illustrates this plurality through diverse grassroots initiatives embodying different structural, economic, and personal transition dimensions. Our shared values and goals are reflected in the transition we decide on. For example, a shift that is exclusively centred on technology innovation may favour development and efficiency but run the danger of sustaining current disparities. On the other hand, a transition based on ecological harmony and social justice aims to address the underlying causes of the crises by promoting a fair division of resources and a rethought connection with nature.

The documentary poses important queries regarding the kind of socioecological shift we hope to achieve. Should structural, economic, or personal aspects be the main focus of transitions? Diverse vulnerabilities, dependencies, and goals are reflected in the variety of potential transitions. This is, in fact, one of the central dilemmas highlighted in the film, which is the tension between vulnerability and dependence. Modern societies are deeply reliant on centralised systems—whether for energy, food, or governance—that often exacerbate vulnerability in times of crisis. Grassroots movements, as depicted in “Alter Nativas”, demonstrate how localised and decentralised approaches can mitigate these risks by fostering resilience and self-sufficiency. However, there are drawbacks to switching to decentralised systems. These systems can lessen reliance on unsustainable global networks. However, they come with a high cost regarding infrastructure, governance, and community capacity building. Furthermore, it is unclear who has the authority to determine how these changes will proceed. To ensure that transitions are co-created rather than imposed, the documentary emphasises the significance of participatory processes, including marginalised voices [3].

Ultimately, we desire a transformational, inclusive, and sympathetic shift. Addressing the underlying social and cultural factors that sustain ecological and economic crises must go beyond technical solutions. This calls for rethinking our interactions with nature and one another. We can only successfully negotiate the complexities of several pathways and build a resilient, just, and sustainable future by taking such a comprehensive approach.

Disillusionment and systemic failures: An opportunity to social redesign as final remarks

“Alter Nativas” emphasises how systemic disenchantment can be pivotal for reconsidering social ideals and priorities rather than being solely harmful. Without addressing the underlying cultural structures that support these problems, traditional methods of environmental governance frequently concentrate on reducing specific symptoms of the climate crisis, such as carbon emissions or deforestation. The documentary suggests that the erosion of trust in these systems creates space for innovative, community-driven solutions that integrate environmental and social objectives, i.e. social redesign. This strategy promotes climate resilience through the following:

• Improving Local Capabilities: Increasing resilience by using localised decision-making procedures that are better suited to particular social and environmental circumstances;
• Promoting Fair and Empathetic Transition: To ensure that climate solutions benefit marginalised populations, who frequently face the brunt of climate consequences, it is essential to address economic and social inequities and promote just transitions;
• Fostering Innovation: Encouraging experimental and collaborative problem-solving methods that combine traditional knowledge with modern science is one way to foster innovation.

By promoting a relational redesign that cultivates socioecological empathy or a more profound comprehension of the interdependence between human societies and the natural environment, interactions with the environment should become more compassionate and reciprocal rather than transactional [14]. A transformative vision of sustainability and collective action is based on socioecological empathy, encouraging behaviours that put communities’ long-term ecological health and well-being first. As the documentary briefly explores the idea, disillusion arises from the social, economic and political systems as a potential source of hope, an inspiration to collective action, and, most importantly, creativity. It is a challenge to imagine a future in which our answers to climate issues are guided by socioecological empathy and ingenuity. It is time to create a narrative of hope in which systemic failures are seen as chances to reconsider, rethink, and rebuild a sustainable future rather than as a conclusion.