“The Global Environment Outlook presents a simple choice for humanity”said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.
“Continue down the path towards a future devastated by climate change, nature decline, degraded land and polluted air, or change direction to ensure a healthy planet, healthy people and healthy economies.”
Looking beyond GDP
The report advocates for interconnected “whole of society” and “whole of government” approaches to transform the economy and finance, materials and waste, energy, food and the environment.
Taking this path begins by moving beyond gross domestic product (GDP) as a measure of economic well-being and instead using inclusive indicators that also track the health of human and natural capital.
Continues with a transition towards circular economy models; rapid decarbonization of the energy system; a shift towards sustainable diets, waste reduction and better agricultural practices; and expand protected areas and restore degraded ecosystems, all supported by behavioral, social and cultural changes that include indigenous and local knowledge.
Two paths for change
The report charts a social and technological path towards transformation.
- Behavior-focused transformation pathway: changes in lifestyle, behavior and values. Social awareness about environmental crises drives a change in worldview.
- Technology-focused transformation path: innovation and technological solutions. An urbanized world with significant global trade and technological overflow.
Why is it important
According to UNEP:
- The state of the environment will worsen dramatically if the world continues to drive economies along the usual path.
- If no action is taken, global average temperature rise is likely to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in the early 2030s, exceed 2.0°C in the 2040s, and continue to rise.
- Climate change would reduce 4 percent of annual global GDP by 2050 and 20 percent by the end of the century.
- If implemented, the changes have the potential to prevent nine million premature deaths related to pollution, lift 200 million people out of malnutrition, 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 set out in the report to achieve a sustainable future.
“This seems, and indeed is, a huge task. But there is no technical reason why it can’t be done,” Ms. Andersen said.