Future Generations Policymaking: Ending “Policrastination”
po·li·cras·ti·na·tion
noun
· A politician’s tendency to delay, dodge or defer critical policy decisions. especially those affecting the long-term wellbeing of future generations, in favour of short-term political gains.
· The systemic avoidance of necessary reform to protect popularity, polls, or party politics.
· The art of appearing busy while doing nothing of consequence.
See also: climate inaction, housing crisis, deferred reform
Ex. “After years of policrastination, voters were no longer convinced by the Prime Minister’s last-minute climate pitch.”
Policrastination is the delay or avoidance of critical decisions that affect future generations—especially in areas like climate, housing, education, and economic reform. This book calls for a new kind of leadership: one that prioritises long-term thinking and intergenerational justice. Authored by Taylor Hawkins, Susan Harris Rimmer, Elise Stephenson, Matthew Day and Amie Furlong, we explore how to redesign governance to stop kicking the can down the road—and start building a future we can be proud of.
