The Earth Commission researchers say environmental problems are disproportionately harming the poorest parts of the world, causing global injustice and threatening social stability. As a consequence, according to the authors of the most comprehensive study of the issue, countries, companies, and cities need to establish environmental justice targets to counter the impact of the climate and other crises on global inequality.
The plan, outlined at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday, is considered the first attempt to include justice in an assessment of the state of the planet. It is based on a three-year Earth Commission study that brings together dozens of the world’s leading natural scientists and social scientists to understand Earth’s capacity to sustain life, and the role humans play as guardians.
«Planetary stability is not possible without a justice approach», said Joyeeta Gupta, a professor of environment and development at the University of Amsterdam, who is one of the lead authors.
In the future, the Earth Commission will examine whether there are social tipping points that can lead to rapid collapse.