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Accelerating transformations for a just, sustainable future: 10 ‘Must Haves’

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2023

Peter Schlosser
Affiliation:
Global Futures Laboratory, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
Johan Rockström
Affiliation:
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research – Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
Clea Edwards*
Affiliation:
Global Futures Laboratory, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
Paula Mirazo
Affiliation:
Global Futures Laboratory, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
Adrian Heilemann
Affiliation:
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research – Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
Niklas H. Kitzmann
Affiliation:
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research – Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany Institute of Physics and Astronomy, Universität Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
Siri L. Krobjinski
Affiliation:
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research – Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
*
Corresponding author: Clea Edwards; Email: clea.edwards@asu.edu

Abstract

Non-technical summary

There is increasing evidence of extreme events and irreversible damage occurring faster than expected. Despite inescapable evidence of intersecting crises facing the Earth system and numerous efforts and agreements, global society is not on track to achieve its sustainability objectives. The 10 ‘Must Haves’ initiative aims to identify the pathways of accelerated systemic transformations needed across the globe toward a sustainable and just future where all can thrive on a healthy planet. In this Intelligence Briefing, the authors lay out the rationale for the project, the proposed targets, and set the stage for forthcoming work on action.

Technical summary

This Intelligence Briefing recognizes the urgent need for global-scale transformations to overcome the crises facing humanity. The ‘10 Must Haves Initiative’, conceptualized by The Earth League and the participants of the Global Futures Conference, aims to provide a framework for accelerated transformations to bridge the gap between pledges and action related to global challenges to stay within planetary boundaries and ensure a safe and just future for all. Each ‘Must Have’ represents targets within which a forthcoming report outlines the specific ‘must-do’ actions, relevant actors and considerations for successful implementation. The authors put forth that we must have a limit of global warming as close to 1.5°C as possible by 2050; an immediate halt and reversal of the loss of nature's functions and diversity; just economies that operate within planetary boundaries; equitable access to resources needed for human well-being; governance transformations to stay within planetary boundaries; healthy, safe, and secure food for the global population; the reconnection of human well-being to planetary health; an ethical digital world providing for human security and, a resilient global society ready to respond to planetary crises.

Social media summary

10 ‘Must Haves’ toward thriving future 4 all: global contingency plan toward transformation of unsustainable trajectory.

Information

Type
Intelligence Briefing
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited.
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press