The global future lies before us as a highly uncertain and contested landscape with numerous perils along the way. This study explores possible pathways to sustainability by considering in quantitative detail four contrasting scenarios for the twenty-first century. The analysis reveals vividly the risks of conventional development approaches and the real danger of socio-ecological descent. Nonetheless, the paper underscores that a Great Transition scenario—turning toward a civilization of enhanced human well-being and environmental resilience—remains an option, and identifies a suite of strategic and value changes for getting there. A fundamental shift in the development paradigm is found to be an urgent necessity for assuring a sustainable future and, as well, a hopeful opportunity for creating a world of enriched lives, human amity, and a healthy ecosphere.
Links:
[1] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/feature-article/century-ahead-searching-sustainability
[2] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/author/paul-d-raskin
[3] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/author/christi-electris
[4] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/author/richard-rosen
[5] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/journal/sustainability
[6] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/climate-change
[7] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/environment
[8] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/poverty
[9] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/consumption-patterns
[10] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/lifestyles
[11] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/water-pollution
[12] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/air-pollution
[13] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/energy
[14] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/population
[15] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/renewable-energy
[16] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/agriculture
[17] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/pollution