The agency calls the report the most comprehensive assessment of the global environment ever undertaken, with contributions from 287 multidisciplinary scientists from 82 countries – spanning over 1,000 pages.
“Global Environmental Outlook Presents a Simple Choice for Humanity,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.
“Continue on the path to a future devastated by climate change, diminishing nature, degraded land and polluted air, or change direction to ensure a healthy planet, healthy people and healthy economies. »
Beyond GDP
The report makes the case for interconnected “whole-of-society” and “whole-of-government” approaches to transforming economics and finance, materials and waste, energy, food and the environment.
To take this path, we must start by moving beyond gross domestic product (GDP) as a measure of economic well-being and instead use inclusive indicators that also track the health of human and natural capital.
It continues with a transition towards circular economy models; rapid decarbonization of the energy system; a transition to sustainable diets, reduced waste and improved agricultural practices; and the expansion of protected areas and restoration of degraded ecosystems – all supported by behavioral, social and cultural changes that include indigenous and local knowledge.
Two ways to change
The report presents a social and technological path to transformation.
- Behavior-driven transformation journey: changes in lifestyle, behavior and values. Social awareness of environmental crises leads to a change in worldview.
- Technology-driven transformation journey: innovation and technology solutions. An urbanized world with significant commercial and technological benefits on a global scale.
Why it matters
According to UNEP:
- The state of the environment will worsen significantly if the world continues to fuel business-as-usual economies.
- Without action, the average global temperature increase will likely exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by the early 2030s, exceed 2.0°C by the 2040s, and continue to rise.
- Climate change would reduce annual global GDP by 4 percent by 2050 and 20 percent by the end of the century.
- If implemented, these changes could prevent nine million premature pollution-related deaths, lift 200 million people out of undernourishment and lift 150 million people out of extreme poverty by 2050.
The agency called on countries to follow the whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches presented in the report to achieve a sustainable future.
“It looks like, and indeed is, a massive undertaking. But there is no technical reason why it can’t be done,” Ms Andersen said.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
