Ensuring that everyone has access to minimum resources and services while also protecting the Earth's environment requires drastic societal transformation according to a study.
The impact of poverty on the environment is investigated in a new study.
According to the study authors, drastic societal change is needed to ensure people's access to basic needs. Less consumption by the wealthiest people is one of the necessary changes.
“It is the wealthy who appropriate the bulk of the Earth’s resources, not the poor.”
Hundreds of millions of people are living in extreme poverty and don't have enough money, land, or access to resources to live a dignified life.
The biggest challenge is to eradicate poverty in ways that are sustainable and don't affect the environment. The poor can be negatively impacted by some environmental protection measures.
Setting aside large, protected areas of forests can undermine poor and Indigenous peoples who rely on such land for resources and survival.
If social justice measures had been put in place, the Earth system would have been put under more pressure.
The analysis shows that the greenhouse gas emissions of the poor could increase. There could be an increase in water use and land use.
The Earth system impacts of consumption by the wealthiest 5% of the global population are larger than the increased pressures. In order to achieve both societal and environmental goals, high per capita consumers are the ones who should make changes.
Many people assume that meeting the needs of the poor can be done without major redistributions and changes in society. Crelis Rammelt is an assistant professor of environmental geography and development studies at the University.
It is important to frame these potential impacts in the context of wider inequalities in resource use. The rich are the ones who use the most of the Earth's resources.
"Reallocate consumption" is one of the main ways to accomplish both social and environmental goals
She says you can do that in a lot of ways. A tax on high consumption can be implemented. We can change the way we invest and focus on profit instead. It is possible for policy makers, businesses, and individuals to reduce pressures on the planet while addressing justice by considering the needs of the poor. That is the basis of the international goals.
The emphasis should be on promoting systematic transformations that will enhance opportunities for those living in poverty rather than asking poor countries of the world to tighten their belts or make do without.
Minimum access to resources and services is the focus of the study.
The paper shows that with modern technology and approaches to production, minimum access cannot be met without reallocating resources, risks, and responsibilities. Reducing harm to humans and addressing the root causes of environmental degradation and vulnerability are some of the aspects of justice we will look at in the future.
Future Earth is an international research program that seeks solutions to sustainable development. Future Earth was started at the UN conference. The Earth Commission has a working group that focuses on justice and transformation research.
An Earth Commission report due out in early 2023 will outline a range of parameters to safeguard a stable and resilient planet and help determine the target goals for businesses, cities, and Governments. The Global Commons Alliance is a network of cities, businesses, and countries that seek science-based action to protect the environment.
The University of Arizona is located in Tuscon, Arizona.
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