Backcasting is a planning method that starts with defining a desired future outcome and then works backward to identify the steps needed to achieve that goal. Unlike traditional forecasting, which predicts future trends based on current data, backcasting focuses on envisioning a specific future and determining the necessary actions to reach it. This approach is often used in fields like sustainability and strategic planning, where stakeholders, such as governments and organizations, aim to create long-term solutions. By outlining a clear vision, backcasting helps to prioritize actions and allocate resources effectively to ensure that the desired future becomes a reality.