Drivers
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Northeastern University *
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Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Uploaded by BailiffEagle1560
Read Chapter 1
of the report dealing with “Drivers” of environmental trends. This gives an
overview of trends in population growth, economic development, energy use, and resource
demands. What do you think are the most important environmental threats facing
humanity? Does the report offer a basis for hope that these threats can be successfully
controlled or reversed? What kinds of policies are most relevant in responding to
environmental challenges?
Please provide a short essay of 200 to 250 words. You may use outside resources to
strengthen your position and perspective.
I would argue that the most important environmental threat facing humanity is climate change,
which is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to
global warming. The consequences of global warming are far-reaching and have the potential to
significantly impact the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems (Levy & Morel, 2012, p. 25).
Some other notable environmental threats include biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, soil
erosion, along with unsustainable resource use and population growth.
The report does offer a basis for hope that these threats can be successfully controlled or
reversed, as it outlines a number of policy recommendations to guide governments, businesses,
and civil society in achieving sustainability. Advice for the creation of effective policy include
focusing of causes rather than effects, looking at the relationship between human well-being and
environmental sustainability, taking indirect interventions, targeting different areas with direct
intervention, considering unintended consequences, reframing drivers, and the importance of
surveillance and monitoring (Levy & Morel, 2012, p. 26).
Beyond this, the policies that are most relevant in responding to environmental challenges are
those that focus on mitigating climate change and supporting the transition to a low-carbon
economy. This includes actions such as setting targets for reducing emissions, creating incentives
for the use of renewable energy, promoting sustainable agriculture, and protecting forests and
other ecosystems (Levy & Morel, 2012, p. 21).
References:
Levy, M. & Morel, A. (2012).
The Global Environment Outlook: Environment for the future we
want (GEO-5)
. United Nations Environment Programme.
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/8021/GEO5_report_full_en.pdf
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