Actions for a Healthy Earth

What is the triple planetary crisis?

The triple planetary crisis refers to the three main interlinked issues that humanity currently faces: climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Each of these issues has its own causes and effects and each issue needs to be resolved if we are to have a viable future on this planet.

Climate Change

Climate change is the most pressing issue facing humanity today. Simply put, climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns that in the long run will completely alter the ecosystems that support life on the planet. Human activities are the main drivers of climate change. Almost everything we do releases emissions, but energy use, industry, transport, buildings and agriculture are the main causes for release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The consequences of climate change already today manifest through increased intensity and severity of  droughts, water scarcity, wildfires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms and declining biodiversity.

Air Pollution

Air Pollution is the largest cause of disease and premature death in the world, with more than seven million people dying prematurely each year due to pollution. Incredibly, nine out of ten people worldwide breathe air that contains levels of pollutants that exceed WHO guidelines. Pollution is caused by everything from traffic and factories to wildfires, volcanoes and mould. Another cause of pollution is indoor household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels and technologies which caused an estimated 3.8 million deaths in 2016 alone.

Biodiversity Loss

Biodiversity loss refers to the decline or disappearance of biological diversity, which includes animals, plants and ecosystems. The reasons for biodiversity loss include everything from overfishing to habitat loss (e.g. deforestation to make way for development) to desertification due to climate change. Biodiversity is the baseline for everything on the planet – as in the end we are all interlinked. Biodiversity loss impacts food supplies and access to clean water – without it we have no future on our planet.

“Humanity is waging war on nature. This is senseless and suicidal,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in the foreword of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Making Peace With Nature report, published last year. “The consequences of our recklessness are already apparent in human suffering, towering economic losses and the accelerating erosion of life on Earth". 

These consequences range from deaths due to weather-related disasters (of which there has been a five-fold increase in the past 50 years) to the 21.5 million people displaced by climate-change related disasters every year. It also means more extreme and more frequent floods, droughts and storms, which not only means a huge human cost, but a huge environmental and financial cost as well. A 2021 report from Swiss Re, one of the largest providers of insurance to other insurance companies, revealed that climate change could cut the value of the world economy by $23 trillion by 2050 – with developed nations such as the US, Canada and France losing between six and ten per cent of their potential economic output. For developing nations, the effects of climate change are even more dire, with Malaysia and Thailand, for example, both seeing their economic growth 20 per cent below what would otherwise be expected by 2050.

What is being done to tackle it?

International Agreements

The good news is that a lot is being done. Governments deal with climate change and biodiversity through two different international agreements – the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), both established at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

There are UN agencies dedicated to each of the planetary crises: UN Climate Change tackles climate change; UN Environment tackles pollution and UN Biodiversity focuses on biodiversity. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification focuses on land and mitigating the effects of drought. So, what exactly do these bodies do?

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, known as UN Climate Change)

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, commonly known as UN Climate Change) was signed in 1992 in order to combat “dangerous human interference with the climate system.” UNFCCC is the United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. Its secretariate (UN climate Change)  supports a range of bodies that that serve to advance the implementation of the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. UN Climate Change also supports non-Party stakeholders (i.e. everyone from companies to NGOs) through a variety of programmes and campaigns such as Marrakech Partnership, Race to Zero, the Fashion Charter for Climate Action, Sports for Climate Action and Climate Neutral Now.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, known as UN Environment) 

Set up in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, known as UN Environment) is the global authority on the environment, that sets the environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. It focuses on everything from disasters to the green economy and biosafety.

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD or UN Biodiversity)

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD or UN Biodiversity) is a legal framework set up to protect biodiversity. It entered into force in 1993 and has been signed by 196 nations. It’s three main aims are the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of biodiversity and the fair sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. 

Similar to the historic Paris Agreement made in 2015 under the UNFCCC, parties to the Biodiversity Convention in December 2022 adopted an agreement for nature, known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which succeeds the Aichi Biodiversity Targets adopted in 2010.

The framework includes wide-ranging steps to tackle the causes of biodiversity loss worldwide, including climate change and pollution, and should work in synergy with the Paris Agreement.

“Delivering on the framework will contribute to the climate agenda, while full delivery of the Paris Agreement is needed to allow the framework to succeed,” said Inger Andersen, the head of the UN Environment Programme. “We can’t work in isolation if we are to end the triple planetary crises.”

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a Convention to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought , which was  adopted 1994 and entered into force in December 1996. It counts 197 Parties, making it near universal in reach. As a global voice for Land, UNCCD looks at how land affects climate change, food security and agriculture and biodiversity.

UNFCCC collaborates with other UN entities to help ensure coordinated and efficient support to countries and stakeholders as they take climate action.

To give one example of inter-agency coordination, last year UNFCCC, UNEP and CBD worked with a range of other UN agencies to examine solutions to the triple planetary crisis; to give UN resident coordinators and UN country teams the tools to help governments address all aspects of the crisis. This type of work is vital to ensure that countries translate their commitments into national actions.

Another key UN report is the Frontier Report series, which showcases research into emerging issues of environmental concern, particularly focusing on issues which have not yet emerged into the mainstream. While UNEP authors these reports, the issues raised are also tackled by UNFCCC, CBD and non-party stakeholders.

What can I do about it?

There are many things you can do on an individual basis: consume less; walk or cycle instead of driving; recycle; use less water, and perhaps most importantly contact your elected representatives. Ask them what they are doing to combat the triple planetary crisis – tell them it is important to you and your peers. For more idea, explore the UN’s Act Now site.

How is climate change affecting biodiversity? 

The main driver of biodiversity loss remains humans’ use of land – primarily for food production. Human activity has already altered over 70 per cent of all ice-free land. When land is converted for agriculture, some animal and plant species may lose their habitat and face extinction.  

But climate change is playing an increasingly important role in the decline of biodiversity. Climate change has altered marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems around the world. It has caused the loss of local species, increased diseases, and driven mass mortality of plants and animals, resulting in the first climate-driven extinctions.

On land, higher temperatures have forced animals and plants to move to higher elevations or higher latitudes, many moving towards the Earth’s poles, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems. The risk of species extinction increases with every degree of warming.

In the ocean, rising temperatures increase the risk of irreversible loss of marine and coastal ecosystems. For instance, 14 per cent of the coral from the world’s coral reefs was lost between 2009 and 2018, mostly due to climate change, and further warming threatens to destroy almost all remaining reefs. (Image Source : IPCC)

Overall, climate change affects the health of ecosystems, influencing shifts in the distribution of plants, viruses, animals, and even human settlements. This can create increased opportunities for animals to spread diseases and for viruses to spill over to humans. Human health can also be affected by reduced ecosystem services, such as the loss of food, medicine and livelihoods provided by nature. 

The Living World's Diversity Loss

The living world's diversity has significantly reduced, with wildlife populations experiencing an average decline of 73% since 1970. This decline is part of a broader trend of biodiversity loss, with studies indicating a 58% decrease in biodiversity since 1970. Furthermore, the current rate of species loss is comparable to or even exceeding the rates seen in past mass extinction events. Here's a more detailed look:

Significant Population Declines:

The World Wildlife Fund's Living Planet Report 2024 highlights a 73% average decline in wildlife populations since 1970. 

Mass Extinction Event:

The current rate of biodiversity loss is comparable to past mass extinction events, indicating a serious decline in the variety of life on Earth. 

Human Impact:

Since the Stone Age, human activity has drastically accelerated the rate of species loss, impacting the natural world. 

Loss of Ecosystem Services:

The decline in biodiversity leads to the loss of natural resources and services that ecosystems provide, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. 

Need for Conservation:

The decline in biodiversity has spurred international efforts to conserve and protect remaining species and ecosystems. 

The Three Pillars of Sustainable Development

The three pillars of sustainable development are environmental, economic, and social. These pillars are interconnected and represent key areas that must be addressed for development to be sustainable. They are often referred to as the "triple bottom line" of sustainability, encompassing people, planet, and profit. Here's a bit more detail on each:

Environmental:

Focuses on the conservation and protection of natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity. It ensures that development doesn't negatively impact the environment and that natural resources are used responsibly. 

Economic:

Emphasizes the importance of economic growth and development that is sustainable and equitable. It aims for a stable and thriving economy that can support present and future generations. 

Social:

Concentrates on social well-being, equity, and justice. It encompasses access to basic needs like healthcare, education, and fair working conditions, as well as promoting social inclusion and human rights. 

The three pillars are often referred to as the triple bottom line of sustainability , encompassing people, planet and profit. These three pillars are not isolated but rather interconnected, and a balanced approach to all three is crucial for true sustainability. For example, strong environmental practices support economic stability, social equity can foster a resilient economy, and a healthy environment is essential for social well-being. 

Core Principles of a circular economy?

1. Eliminate Waste and Pollution: 

• This principle focuses on designing out waste and pollution from the beginning, rather than trying to manage it after it's created. 

• It involves rethinking product design to use materials that are less harmful, more durable, and easier to recycle or reuse.

• It also includes using renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on finite resources.

2. Circulate Products and Materials:

• This principle emphasizes keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible through methods like reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling. 

• It involves designing products for durability, adaptability, and disassembly to facilitate their reuse or recycling. 

• It also includes creating closed-loop systems where materials are recovered and re-integrated into new products. 

3. Regenerate Nature: 

• This principle focuses on restoring natural systems and ecosystems.

• It involves practices like regenerative agriculture, which aims to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.

• It also includes protecting and restoring natural habitats and ecosystems, which are essential for a healthy planet.

In essence, the circular economy aims to create a more sustainable and resilient system by decoupling economic growth from resource depletion and environmental degradation. 

The Green Modal Priority Concept 

The green modal priority concept focuses on prioritizing environmentally friendly modes of transportation to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation systems and promote sustainable mobility. It involves shifting away from high-emission modes like individual cars to more sustainable options like public transport, rail, and cycling. 

Click here to know about the Green Modal Priority Concept and the adapted version ABC-DEM (Anand Bicycle Co-operative Development and Engineering Model) of the 'Netherlands' Model.

Sustainable transport, sustainable development

Sustainable transport — with its objectives of universal access, enhanced safety, reduced environmental and climate impact, improved resilience, and greater efficiency — is central to sustainable development.

Apart from providing services and infrastructure for the mobility of people and goods, sustainable transport is a cross-cutting accelerator, that can fast-track progress towards other crucial goals, such as eradicating poverty in all its dimensions, reducing inequality, empowering women, and combatting climate change.

Find out more about sustainable transport and sustainable development in this interagency report.

Shifting from cars to public transportation can reduce up to 2.2 tons of carbon emissions annually per individual.

Your guide to climate action: Transport

Whether it’s for work or for pleasure, the choices we make on how we get from one place to another — driving, flying, ferrying, biking, scooting, and public transportation — can have a large impact on carbon emissions. Making informed lifestyle choices when it comes to transport can help us reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality — a win-win!

Need to promote Bicycles as an Active Transport

Active transport bicycles refer to bicycles used as a means of transportation, primarily for commuting or travel within a city. They are a key component of active transportation, which encompasses all forms of human-powered mobility. Active transport bicycles offer numerous benefits, including promoting physical fitness, reducing carbon emissions, and easing traffic congestion.

Definition and Scope:

Active transport, also known as active mobility or soft mobility, emphasizes human-powered movement for transportation.

Bicycles are a prominent form of active transport, alongside walking, scooters, and wheelchairs.

Active transport bicycles are used for various purposes, such as commuting to work or school, running errands, or recreational cycling.

Benefits of Active Transport Bicycles:

Health:

Cycling is a great form of exercise, promoting cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving overall well-being.

Environment:

Replacing car trips with bicycle rides significantly reduces carbon emissions and air pollution, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Urban Mobility:

Active transport, including cycling, helps alleviate traffic congestion, especially in urban areas, by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

Cost-Effective:

Bicycles are a relatively inexpensive mode of transportation, requiring minimal maintenance and no fuel costs.

Accessibility:

Active transport infrastructure, such as bike lanes and paths, can improve accessibility for individuals who may not have access to or choose not to use motorized vehicles.

Examples of Active Transport Bicycle Use:

Commuting:

Many people use bicycles to commute to work, shortening travel time and improving their fitness.

Errands:

Bicycles are convenient for short trips to the grocery store, post office, or other local destinations.

Recreation:

Cycling is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.

Solar bikes and E-bikes:

Solar bicycles and electric bicycles (e-bikes) have become increasingly popular, offering assistance for longer distances or challenging terrains, expanding the reach of active transport.

Promoting Active Transport Bicycles:

Infrastructure:

Governments and urban planners can invest in dedicated bike lanes, paths, and storage facilities to encourage cycling.

Incentives:

Rebates, subsidies, or tax breaks for bicycle purchases can make cycling more affordable and appealing.

Education and Awareness:

Campaigns to promote the benefits of active transport and cycling can increase public awareness and encourage participation.

Safety:

Ensuring cyclist safety through traffic calming measures, designated bike lanes, and public awareness campaigns is crucial. 

This page has been extracted from the United Nations Website  - Illustration and content courtesy United Nations Department of Global Communications

Actions for a Healthy Planet

Every one of us can make choices to protect nature, tackle climate change, and take care of our planet! 

The Sustainable Development Goals spell out how we can protect our environment and slow climate change, from forests to oceans to everywhere in between. Think about your electricity use and your travel. Check your dinner table. Reuse whatever you can. The possibilities for action are many – and add up fast.

Greenhouse gas emissions per person vary greatly among countries. In the United States of America and the Russian Federation per capita emissions are almost three times the world average of 6.6 tons of CO2 equivalent, while in India and the African Union they are less than half the world average. Globally, the 10 per cent of the population with the highest income account for nearly half of all emissions. Here are some actions to reduce your impact on the environment. To learn more about climate action, science and solutions, click here.

How to Reduce your Impact on the Environment?