The planet will only remain able to provide even a basic standard of living for everyone in the future if economic systems and technologies are dramatically transformed and critical resources are more fairly used, managed and shared.
The report co-authored by over sixty natural and social scientists from the Earth Commission and its working groups, found that it remains possible for all humans to escape poverty and be safe from harm caused by Earth system change ,but the planet’s ability to provide and protect is being stretched past its limits.
Scientists have identified the “Safe and Just Space” – the only space rich in opportunities – but future projections to 2050 show that this Space will shrink over time, unless urgent transformations take place.
That means that even if everyone on the planet only had access to the resources necessary for a basic standard of living in 2050, the Earth will still be outside the climate boundary. Earth systems face the risk of crossing dangerous tipping points which would cause further significant harm to people around the world – unless energy, food and urban systems are urgently transformed.
The only way to provide for everyone and ensure societies, businesses and economies thrive without destabilising the planet is to reduce inequalities in how critical Earth system resources are accessed and used – alongside economic and technological transformation.
Joyeeta Gupta, former co-chair of the Earth Commission, and Professor of Environment and Development in the Global South at the University of Amsterdam, said:
“We’re beginning to realise the damage that inequality is doing to the Earth. Increasing pollution and poor management of natural resources is causing significant harm to people and nature. The longer we continue to widen the gap between those who have too much and those who don’t have enough, the more extreme the consequences for all, as the support systems which underpin our way of life, our markets and our economies begin to collapse.”
