Nate Hagens, an expert on energy systems and human behavior, defines 'collective action' as the coordinated efforts of individuals and organizations working together to achieve a common goal that would be unattainable through solitary efforts. He emphasizes that in an interconnected world facing complex challenges such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social inequality, collective action becomes imperative. Hagens underscores that this collaboration is not merely about pooling resources, but also about aligning values, fostering trust, and building resilient social networks to drive meaningful change. By leveraging the strengths and perspectives of diverse participants, collective action aims to tackle systemic issues at their roots, promoting adaptive solutions that benefit both current and future generations.

See also: climate change, fossil fuel, political economy, ecological economics, renewable energy