The Summit of the Future, set to convene at the United Nations in New York on September 22-23, 2024, aims to identify multilateral pathways to address the major problems threatening the common future of humanity and to find effective solutions. The challenges on the agenda are extensive, ranging from conflict and climate change to pandemics, pollution, extreme income inequalities, and appalling forms of discrimination.
Earth Overshoot Day
- Significance of Earth Overshoot Day: Earth Overshoot Day marks when humanity’s annual demand for ecological resources surpasses what Earth can regenerate within the same year. After this date, we begin depleting ecological reserves and accumulating waste, particularly carbon emissions. This deficit signifies unsustainable consumption patterns, posing serious long-term threats to the environment.
- Calculation Methodology: Earth Overshoot Day is calculated by the Global Footprint Network, comparing Earth’s biocapacity to humanity’s Ecological Footprint. The formula divides the planet’s total resource capacity by the demand and multiplies by the number of days in the year. This date highlights how quickly we exhaust available resources each year.
(Earth’s Biocapacity / Humanity’s Ecological Footprint) x 365/366 = Earth Overshoot Day)
- Shifting Date Trend: The date of Earth Overshoot Day has been moving steadily earlier each year. In 1975, it fell on November 30th, whereas in 2024, it occurred on August 1st. This trend reflects increasing global resource consumption and ecological strain, signaling an urgent need for sustainable actions.
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| Nine Planetary Boundaries
The nine planetary boundaries help maintain Earth’s stability and regulate its systems. However, out of these nine boundaries, eight have been exceeded, indicating that Earth is no longer operating within its safe limits. This crossing of boundaries means that abrupt changes are likely as stability is disrupted.
- Climate Change: Measures CO₂ concentration and the energy balance between Earth and space, influencing global temperatures and climate stability.
- Atmospheric Aerosol Loading: Refers to the amount of air pollutants, such as particulate matter, affecting air quality and climate.
- Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: Concerns the concentration of stratospheric ozone, which protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
- Ocean Acidification: Relates to the carbonate ion concentration in the ocean, which affects marine life and ecosystems due to increased CO₂ absorption.
- Freshwater Change: Measures the amount of freshwater available for human use and plant growth, impacting water resources and ecosystem health.
- Land Use Change: Involves the size of forested areas and changes in land use, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Biosphere Integrity: Assesses the percentage of functional diversity and the speed of species extinction, reflecting overall ecosystem health and resilience.
- Biogeochemical Flows: Concerns the outflow of nitrogen and phosphorus from synthesised fertilisers, impacting soil and water systems through nutrient pollution.
- Novel Entities: Includes pollution caused by synthetic compounds, such as plastics, which introduce new and potentially harmful substances into the environment.
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The need to save resources for future generations is a moral duty, emphasising our responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit a livable planet and adequate resources. But, there is an ongoing debate on whether it is a legal duty to save resources for future generations. Some argue that legal frameworks and precedents in various countries recognize this duty, while others believe that such responsibilities are primarily moral rather than legally binding.
Arguments Against Legal Duties for Future Generations
- Ambiguity: The appeal to protect future generations’ rights can be seen as ambiguous rhetoric. For example, many policies claim to benefit future generations but lack clarity in execution.
- Neglect of Immediate Responsibilities: Focusing on future impacts might divert resources from addressing urgent issues faced by the present generation, such as poverty. Governments should prioritise the needs of today’s citizens rather than focusing on the abstract idea of future generations.
- Justification for Harmful Practices: This argument may align with governments pursuing environmentally destructive development paths, claiming these actions will benefit future generations. For instance, rapid industrialization may be justified by arguing it benefits future economic growth.
Arguments For Legal Duties to Future Generations
- Inspiration for Legal Frameworks: The discourse on future generations’ rights can inspire nations to develop new legal frameworks focused on long-term environmental sustainability.
- Reshaping International Law: It has the potential to reshape international law based on justice and solidarity across time and space. For example, the recognition of future generations’ rights could influence international agreements on climate action.
- Alignment with Indigenous Wisdom:This view matches the traditional beliefs of indigenous communities around the world, who stress the importance of preserving knowledge and resources for future generations.
- Legal Precedents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Some low- and middle-income countries have already made legal judgments supporting this concept. For instance, Colombia has legally recognized the rights of future generations concerning environmental protection, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
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Solutions and Approaches Presented in the Article
- Maastricht Principles on the Human Rights of Future Generations: These principles affirm that human rights extend beyond the present generation to include future generations. Policies should not only address the needs and interests of the current population but also consider the impact on those not yet born, particularly concerning resources like air and water.
- Representation of Young People: Incorporating the voices of young people in discussions about future challenges is crucial. Their participation ensures that their grievances and concerns are addressed. For example, Greta Thunberg’s activism has significantly elevated young voices in global climate conversations, highlighting their role as key contributors.
- Addressing Planetary Boundaries:The global community should acknowledge that 8 out of 9 planetary boundaries for Earth’s sustainable survival have been exceeded. Attention must be given to “Earth Overshoot Day,” which has been occurring earlier each year.
Best Practices
- Colombia: Ordered the creation of an “inter-generational pact for the life of the Colombian Amazon.”
- Pakistan: Upheld a ban on cement plants in fragile zones to “protect future generations from the impacts of climate change.”
- India:The National Green Tribunal upheld the principle of intergenerational equity in environmental rights.
- Kenya: Declared a legal obligation to preserve natural resources for future generations.
- South Africa: Emphasised the need to consider the long-term pollution impacts on future generations.
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Conclusion
A shift in perspective is crucial. We must move away from environmentally destructive development paths and adopt a more forward-thinking approach. When planning and implementing development projects, it is essential to consider not only the immediate risks but also the long-term impacts on future generations. This balanced approach will help ensure that our actions today do not compromise the ability of future generations to thrive.
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September 18, 2024
