Oct 10, 2021
Human demand (ecological footprint) now exceeds the limited ecological budget our planet makes available (biocapacity), by at least 74%. “One planet” is not a metaphor; it is a description. It is not a goal, but rather a recognition of our context. Mathis Wackernagel, Ph.D. co-created Ecological Footprint accounting and founded Global Footprint Network, a think-tank focused on bringing about an economy in which all can thrive within the means of our one planet. His awards include the 2018 World Sustainability Award, the 2015 IAIA Global Environment Award, and the 2012 Blue Planet Prize.
July 29 was Earth Overshoot Day in 2021 – humanity is using the biosphere so fast that this year, from January 1 to July 29, the demand was as large as the total amount all ecosystems combined can renew in the entire year. Although the massive overuse of ecological resources still barely carries any financial weight, this overshoot cannot persist. The consequence of continuing down the path of depleting resource stocks and overloading waste sinks (such as the atmosphere with GHG) is that markets will not adjust smoothly, but rather be faced with disruption.
But are we resigned to one-planet misery? Or can we choose to design our path to one-planet prosperity, where all thrive within the ecological budget of our planet? The built environment, including cities, their buildings, roads and energy infrastructure, is an especially powerful lever since the built environment’s legacy endures for decades, even centuries. So is investment in women and encouraging smaller families. The food system is essential and offers opportunities, as does the way we power ourselves.
This is the audio from a session held as part of the Planet in Crisis – Creating Action for COP26 global online summit. In November 2020, exactly one year before the official COP26 climate conference, Scientists Warning Europe organised this series of online Pre-COP events to raise awareness, push the conversation, show demand, and drive real action. Over 25 events were attended by more than 2,000 people from across the globe.
Scientists Warning Europe presents and promotes science endorsed solutions which will lead to a just transition for our World to a sustainable and equitable future. Learn more, sign up for updates, and support our work at https://www.scientistswarningeurope.org.uk
This podcast series is made possible through the generous help of the GrowthBusters podcast about limits to growth.
LINKS:
Earth Overshoot Day
https://www.overshootday.org/
Global Footprint Network
https://www.footprintnetwork.org/
Strategies for One Planet Prosperity ebook
http://www.Footprintnetwork.org/opp
Scientists Warning
Europe
https://scientistswarningeurope.org.uk/
All Three World
Scientists’ Warnings
https://scientistswarningeurope.org.uk/warnings
Planet in Crisis Pre-COP Video Series
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyl1v07bfIaLHtXjYBtaca3YdlPaKC9Vx
GrowthBusters podcast
http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/
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