CANBERRA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- International researchers have called for critical resources to be more fairly shared, used and managed to ensure a basic standard of living for everyone.
In a report published on Thursday, more than 60 leading natural and social scientists from around the world said a basic standard of living for everyone in the future can only be guaranteed if economic systems and technologies are transformed.
The research outlines how cities and businesses have a crucial role to play in reducing the pressure on the planet to provide.
Xuemei Bai, a lead author of the research from the Australian National University (ANU), said companies and cities could become stewards of critical Earth systems by reducing their environmental impact.
"Companies and cities have a huge potential to make a difference, especially if they work towards the same goal, which is to ensure the planet can provide for everyone long-term," Bai said in a media release.
"They are more nimble and flexible than states, and can reduce their pressure on the planet by setting science-based targets in line with our findings."
The research found that Earth's ability to provide for everyone is being stretched past its limits and that the only way to ensure everyone can thrive is to reduce inequalities in how resources such as freshwater and nutrients are accessed and used.
The report includes a series of recommendations to ensure the Earth's climate remains within a "safe and just" space, including a coordinated global effort between policymakers, businesses, civil society and communities to address inequality while reducing pressure on nature and the climate.
Additionally, it calls for the excessive consumption of resources by some communities to be addressed and for increased investment in technology to help people use fewer resources. ■
