Your Task Is To Prepare An Exploratory Scenario For 2050 ✓ Solved

Your Task Is To Prepare An Exploratory Scenario For 2050

Your task is to prepare an exploratory scenario for 2050, taking into account the topics and issues covered during the course. Your Exploratory Scenario 2050 should outline the current critical issues which will impact on human life and health in the decade beginning, be based on realistic expectations of goals and results arising from governmental, organizational, and individual actions, describe the potential outcomes of specific environmental strategies that are currently under consideration, analyze the current and potential challenges that might hinder the implementation of such strategies, and summarize and conclude what new initiatives need to be taken at the three levels (governmental, organizational, and individual). You should select a minimum of two and a maximum of three core issues/topics of your choice to cover in your scenario.

Whilst your scenario can include any topics covered in the course, a good starting point is the Living Planet Report 2018. For your answer, you must provide a logical analysis by drawing on cases and/or theories covered during this course and/or which you learned about through your independent study. Your answers must illustrate flow and progression of ideas through critical and independent thought.

REQUIREMENTS Formalities: • Wordcount: 800 – 1,000 words. Cover page, Table of Contents, Bibliography and Annexes are excluded from the total wordcount. • Font: Arial 12 pts. • The in-text references and the bibliography have to be in the Harvard citation style.

Paper For Above Instructions

Exploratory Scenario for 2050: Addressing Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss

As we look towards the year 2050, the integration of environmental sustainability into the fabric of human life and health emerges as a critical priority. According to the Living Planet Report 2018, declining biodiversity and worsening climate conditions pose significant challenges that will shape the trajectory of human existence. This scenario will focus on two core issues: climate change and biodiversity loss. Through analyzing the current landscape and potential outcomes of specific environmental strategies, we will explore not only the challenges ahead but also the initiatives necessary for sustainable development at governmental, organizational, and individual levels.

Current Critical Issues Impacting Human Life and Health

The first critical issue is climate change, driven primarily by greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights alarming trends in climate-related disasters, including extreme weather events that threaten both human health and ecological stability (IPCC, 2021). Rising temperatures contribute to heat-related illnesses, food insecurity due to agricultural disruption, and the proliferation of vector-borne diseases (Watts et al., 2018).

The second issue is biodiversity loss, a phenomenon that significantly undermines the resilience of ecosystems vital for human survival. The Living Planet Report 2018 indicates that populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish have declined by an average of 60% since 1970 (WWF, 2018). This loss of biodiversity compromises ecosystem services such as clean water, pollination, and carbon sequestration critical for human health and well-being.

Realistic Expectations from Actions Taken

Addressing these critical issues demands a multi-faceted approach involving governmental, organizational, and individual actions. Governments can enact policies mandating reductions in emissions and investment in renewable energy (Gonzalez et al., 2020). Organizations, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, can adopt sustainable practices, such as regenerative agriculture, that enhance biodiversity while maintaining productivity (Haddad et al., 2015). Individuals can significantly contribute by reducing their ecological footprint through lifestyle changes such as adopting plant-based diets and reducing waste.

Potential Outcomes of Environmental Strategies

Implementing effective environmental strategies can lead to several positive outcomes. If global governments commit to the Paris Agreement goals, we could limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, thereby reducing the prevalence of climate-induced health issues (UNFCCC, 2015). Additionally, investing in conservation and restoration of natural habitats can help reverse biodiversity loss. For example, the rewilding initiative, which aims to restore ecosystems, has shown promise in restoring species and improving ecosystem functionality (Sandom et al., 2019).

Challenges to Implementation of Strategies

However, the implementation of such strategies faces significant challenges. Political inertia and resistance to change, often fueled by economic interests, remain significant barriers. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted global vulnerabilities and redirected attention and resources from long-term environmental goals to immediate health crises. This scenario reflects an urgent need for integrated planning that places health and the environment at the forefront of policy development (Collins et al., 2020).

New Initiatives Required

To effectively tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, several new initiatives are necessary at governmental, organizational, and individual levels.

  • Governmental Level: Governments must prioritize environmental policies that institutionalize sustainability. This includes legal frameworks to support green technology and incentives for companies that reduce their carbon emissions.
  • Organizational Level: Corporations should adopt a circular economy model, emphasizing resource efficiency, waste reduction, and a shift towards sustainable practices that promote biodiversity.
  • Individual Level: Education and awareness campaigns can empower individuals to make informed environmental choices. Grassroots movements promoting sustainable lifestyle changes can gain momentum and influence policy at higher levels.

Conclusion

As we envision the world of 2050, it is clear that proactive engagement with critical environmental issues is imperative. By addressing climate change and biodiversity loss with effective strategies that are inclusive of governmental, organizational, and individual contributions, we can shape a future that prioritizes human health and ecological stability. The integration of these initiatives will be essential in steering the planet towards a sustainable and equitable future.

References

  • Collins, M., et al. (2020). 'Global warming of 1.5°C: An IPCC Special Report.' IPCC.
  • Gonzalez, A., et al. (2020). 'Climate Policy and Health: The Role of Governments.' Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning.
  • Haddad, N. M., et al. (2015). 'Habitat fragmentation and its impact on ecosystems.' Ecological Research.
  • IPCC. (2021). 'Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis.' IPCC.
  • Sandom, C. J., et al. (2019). 'Rewilding: A new ecological paradigm.' Nature Ecology & Evolution.
  • UNFCCC. (2015). 'Paris Agreement.' United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  • Watts, N., et al. (2018). 'Health and climate change: Policy responses to protect public health.' The Lancet.
  • WWF. (2018). 'Living Planet Report 2018: Aiming higher.' World Wildlife Fund.
  • Rockström, J., et al. (2009). 'A safe operating space for humanity.' Nature.
  • Steffen, W., et al. (2015). 'Planetary Boundaries: Guiding human development on a changing planet.' Science.

Related Assignments