Context:Climate change, nature loss, and the pollution add up to a planetary emergency that will cause far more pain than COVID-19 in the long-term.
Challenges faced by nature
Global warming: projected to be more than three °C this century - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Fall in per capita stock of natural capital: by 40% in just over two decades.
High pollution levels: 9 out of 10 people breathe polluted air.
Way forward:to make the future sustainable
Reverse the environmental decline: By following “Making Peace with Nature report” of the United Nations (UN), which provides a blueprint for a sustainable future.
Tackle interlinked challenges: Like environmental, social and economic challenges. Valuing nature and putting it in the heart of all our decisions (related to society and economy) will result in:
A stop in financing fossil fuels by banks and investors.
Governments subsidising nature-positive farming and clean energy and water.
People prioritising health and well-being over consumption (shrinking environmental footprint)
Nations should work proactively: By delivering stretched nationally determined contributions and kick-starting the transitions to net-zero (currently in 126 countries).
Better coordination between Nations needed –
For creating rules for a global carbon trading market.
Providing financial support: Developed countries should provide $100 billion (as promised) to developing nations for coping with the impacts of climate change.
Adopt circular economic systems: that will result in reuse resources, reduce emissions, weed out the chemicals and toxins, and create jobs.
Government should take the lead: in
Invest in the right places: for smart and sustainable recovery.
Create opportunities for future industries that generate prosperity.