The triple planetary crisis, which includes climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, is fueled by numerous human activities. A new report called Global Forecast Report on Planetary Health and Human Well-Being (eng A global foresight report on planetary health and human well-being), presents an insight into eight key global changes that are accelerating the triple planetary crisis. The report was jointly prepared by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the International Science Council, calling on the world to pay attention and respond to new challenges.
The first change includes rapid technological development, with special emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. Although AI offers numerous opportunities for the development of the economy and society, it also has an impact on the environment in various ways, both positive and negative. Examples include the use of AI in weapon systems and in the development of synthetic biology, which requires careful assessment from an ecological perspective.
Second, competition for natural resources. In the world of energy transition, the demand for critical minerals and metals should be highlighted, and it is expected to increase by four times by 2040. In addition, there are water, forests, land and other natural resources.
There are also armed conflicts that are increasing, fueled by regional tensions, the breakdown of the rule of law and others. What should be mentioned is that these conflicts occur more and more due to the scarcity of resources and climate change, and at the same time conflicts degrade and pollute ecosystems.
The next change is massive forced displacement and migration. More and more people are forced to leave their homes due to conflicts or economic reasons, as well as due to natural disasters and climate change. Displacement itself can have additional consequences, not only economic and social, but also environmental.
In terms of the continuous increase in inequality, we mean both the rich and the poor, other differences within the country, but also between countries. This leads to tensions, insecurity and reduced resilience of society. For example, the consequences of climate change, which are caused by the rich to the detriment of the poor, who do not have the ability to resist them.
In the fight against climate change, trust in institutions, social organizations, media and others is also important. However, there is a decline in this trust, which also weakens institutions. The seventh change could be a continuation of the previous one – more and more misinformation and incorrect information. This also affects the weakening of trust that was discussed, and all together makes it difficult to effectively manage crises and global challenges.
Finally, increased global multipolarity is cited. In this sense, it is about increasing the number of global actors such as states, organizations or companies, which have an important influence on international relations and policies. Although this is important for international cooperation and negotiations, it can also make it difficult to reach a global consensus on important issues – climate change, biodiversity conservation and others.
The recommendations presented in the Report state the establishment of a new social contract that will include wider layers of society, such as the indigenous community and the youth, in order to promote common values and sustainable development. The need for agile and adaptive management with short-term goals in order to respond more quickly to environmental challenges is emphasized. Integrating data and knowledge, while making it available to those who need it, because the combination of different types of data and knowledge will make it more efficient to manage and respond to challenges and changes. There is also the so-called adoption of foresight, which involves actively monitoring and identifying potential risks and changes, in order to create better strategies that reduce negative consequences, before the realization of risks and changes even occurs.
Katarina Vuinac
Source: energetskiportal.rs
