Global Commons Alliance’s Post

forging a just and sustainable future ... #RegenNotes #EarthDay2024 "Earth ... our lifeboat in the cosmic sea of space. We must stop treating environmental challenges as isolated issues and establish a systemic response based on #kinship with nature, recognizing our interconnectedness with the planet" From “Earth at risk: An urgent call to end the age of destruction and forge a just and sustainable future” research led by the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, an interdisciplinary group of 18 authors underscore the critical imperative to harmonise political will, economic resources, and societal values for a #regenerative and #just global future. https://lnkd.in/e5pXrB-w

The vision of a safe and just space on our planet is not just a dream—it's a tangible goal that we can achieve together! Today, I came across some compelling insights that highlight the profound transformations needed in our economic systems and resource management. The message is clear: by working collaboratively, we can escape poverty and safeguard our environment. Experts from the Earth Commission emphasize that it’s possible for all people to thrive within “safe and just boundaries.” This approach ensures that as we protect our ecosystems, we also support equitable access to natural resources for everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us. It’s about creating a future where justice and sustainability go hand in hand. Let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can contribute to this transformation. What actions can you take in your community or workplace to foster more sustainable practices? Each step, no matter how small, brings us closer to a healthier Earth. I encourage everyone to share their stories of impact and inspiration! Together, our voices can spark significant change. https://lnkd.in/eYG5AwDW

This is a really interesting article, Rethinking Planetary Boundaries, that provides critical engagement with the planetary boundaries concept (which has been taken up by some sustainability professionals): 'While planetary boundaries offer a valuable lens through which to view ecological limits, limitations and criticisms include concerns about oversimplification, the dominance of technocratic perspectives, insufficient attention to social and cultural issues or considerations of social justice and equity, and the challenge of accounting’s own preoccupation with organisations as units of analysis.' #planetaryboundaries #socialjustice #ecologicallimits #sustainability https://lnkd.in/egpqeaUi

🌱 In March, we planted these resilient trees in the desert. Despite the challenging environment, they not only survived but thrived through the harshest summer months! This remarkable success reinforces the value of nature-based solutions, showing that with the right blend of scientific knowledge and dedicated care, we can help nature flourish even in the most extreme conditions. 🌍 Let's continue to blend science with sensitivity to make a positive impact. Nadia Shehabi netzero #SustainableSolutions #EnvironmentalCare #DesertResilience #GreenInitiatives #ClimateAction #SaudiVision2030

The 2024 The Villars Institute Summit - Enriching! Part 1 Despite working at Clean Energy Transition LLP, a thematic fund manager dedicated to accelerating the transition into a clean energy future, attending the Villars Institute Summit (VIS) proved to be a profound educational journey. Our team dedicates countless hours to analysing technologies, policies, trends and the companies enabling the curb of CO2 emissions. However, the Summit opened my eyes to wider environmental issues such as biodiversity loss, biosphere integrity, and pathways to a Nature Positive economy. Concepts like "planetary boundaries", "global commons" and their “tipping points” were somewhat new to me. I admit it was a learning curve, but one that compels me to raise awareness, just as Naoko Ishii from the Center for Global Commons, did in her TED Talk (https://lnkd.in/ePfJmSjG). I discovered organisations such as the “Global Commons Alliance” (https://lnkd.in/eGcJjGvi), the “Global Learning Council” (https://lnkd.in/ev4YaRqP), the “World Economic Forum Uplink” (https://lnkd.in/ehug4Dq9), and “Open Planet” (https://lnkd.in/earg6q9f) to name a few. The Summit was an eclectic gathering. It drew together: 1)   Young visionaries aged 15-18, a remarkable and truly inspiring group, known as 'Fellows', who after a rigorous selection process, were invited to the VIS and played crucial roles throughout the event. 2)   Entrepreneurs from Kenya, Bolivia, India, New Zealand and so many other places shared innovative approaches to environmental protection and restoration. 3)   Academics, representatives from international bodies, such as the IUCN and the WWF, and scientists such as Dr Johan Rockström provided insightful analysis of our current alarming ecological state, but also solutions. (Please refer this CGC Report https://lnkd.in/eZxxDh3i). 4)   Financial enablers and influencers converged to discuss ways to amplify these environmental efforts. 5)   Artists and filmmakers, including Thijs Biersteker and SILVERBACK FILMS, spread the word through their creative expressions. The outcomes of such varied and intense discussions were: 1. Enhanced awareness and understanding of environmental challenges, with many participants committed to advocating and taking action. 2. New connections that spurred the acceleration of various projects 3. Empowerment and inspiration for the Fellows, but also increased confidence that if these teenagers are the leaders of tomorrow we are in good hands! New learnings that acted as catalysts for innovative thinking Persuasive engagements that encouraged participants like myself to actively support the Villars Institute's mission—a goal achieved!    

EARTHDAY.ORG highlights the importance of scientific discovery to understand all angles of urgent global environmental challenges.🔬 As an organization deeply rooted in research, we know its pivotal role in uncovering solutions to these challenges. By partnering with researchers, organizations, and communities, our mission is to empower research that advances our way of life and fosters a more sustainable future for our planet.🌎 With a shared passion for keeping our planet's ecosystems in balance, we can create a better relationship between humans and nature through the power of research. Explore how to take action: https://lnkd.in/g7TSpkQj

🌎 How can we achieve a safe, stable planet – where every last human is protected from harm? Last week the Global Commons Alliance Earth Commission published new science that builds on the #SafeAndJust Boundaries, to quantify the“Safe and Just Space” for planet and people to thrive.👇 The new paper, which was published in The Lancet Planet, stresses that while the planet’s ability to provide and protect is being stretched past its limits, it does remain possible for all humans to escape poverty and be safe from harm caused by Earth system change – if natural resources and our global commons are better shared and valued. ♻️🌿 Scientists have quantified the “Safe and Just Space”: the only space rich in opportunities for people and planet. The only way to reach this space is to reduce inequalities in how critical Earth system resources, such as freshwater and nutrients, are accessed and used – alongside economic and technological transformation. 📈⚖️ Co-authored by over sixty leading natural and social scientists from the Earth Commission - an international science commission hosted by Future Earth, and the scientific cornerstone of the Global Commons Alliance, the report is led by Prof. Joyeeta Gupta, Prof. Xuemei Bai, and Prof. Diana Liverman. In the paper, the scientists outline how the transformative approach must be at once local and global, and involve actors from all sectors of society taking their fair share of responsibility for the current state of the global commons. This change must be anchored in the following three major shifts: 🏛️ A well coordinated effort between policymakers, businesses, civil society and communities to push for changes in how we run the economy, with new policies and funding mechanisms to address inequality while reducing pressure on nature and climate. 🌱 More efficient and effective management, sharing and usage of resources at every level of society - including addressing the excess consumption of some communities. 🏗️ Investment in sustainable and affordable technologies to help us use fewer resources. Cities and businesses have a leading role to play in the transformations toward a safe and just future. The new paper provides a guide to how they can use the Earth system boundaries as a basis for #ScienceBasedTargets, to become better stewards of Earth’s natural resources. Explore more info about key actions for change in the below #infographic. 🔗 Read more about the new science: https://lnkd.in/eD2JN_53 #GlobalCommons #ForNature #EarthSystemBoundaries #COP16 #COP29 #OurCommonFuture #ClimateWeekNYC #NatureAction #NetPositive

🔎🌎 Forward-thinking companies want to set science-based targets for nature - but what exactly is the science? As part of the Global Commons Alliance, we are pleased to share Earth Commission's latest video that explains its latest science and impact in creating a #SafeAndJust space for all. 👇 The Earth’s #GlobalCommons keep our land fertile, our oceans healthy and our climate stable. Above all else, they make our planet habitable. But humans are pushing them out of balance and at risk of coming close to dangerous #TippingPoints in the Earth system. That’s why we must take action, before it’s too late. In 2019, Future Earth brought together a group of leading global scientists from the social and natural sciences to form the #EarthCommission. Together, they set out to establish Safe and Just boundaries for people and planet, defining the next generation of sustainability targets. 🎯🌱 The Safe and Just boundaries is a road map for cities, businesses and other actors to course correct human activities to a safe and just operating space. As Dr Wendy Broadgate, Executive Director, Earth Commission says in the video, companies have a critical role to play: "Leaders in government, from countries and cities through to business leaders, need to be setting science based targets to stay within these earth system boundaries, and they also need to be achieving those targets." ➡️  Find out more about the Earth Commission and their crucial work in their latest video: https://brnw.ch/21wOFKV 🔗 About #ScienceBasedTargets #forNature: https://lnkd.in/dJa9rBh

In this week’s edition of #WhatOnEarth, Liselotte Hohwy Stokholm, CEO at the think tank Ocean Institute (Tænketanken Hav), offers a crucial piece of advice to both Danish and international environmental authorities: “Start thinking and acting like businesses”.   In the corporate world, adaptation to reality and agile strategy shifts are the norm to tackle new challenges. Yet, in the realm of authorities and politics, there is often a tendency to rely on lengthy, rigid plans. However, as we know, nature doesn't always adhere to our timelines.    Liselotte Hohwy Stokholm emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories along the way, acknowledging that none of us may see the monumental changes we are striving for in our lifetime. But these incremental steps are crucial for the well-being of our planet and future generations. 🌊🌏   In this series of articles from Planetary Responsibility Insights, leaders from major environmental organizations will give their answers to nine vital questions on how we can reshape business practices for a more harmonious relationship with nature. Read or listen to the full article in Planetary Responsibility Insights and learn more. Link in comments👇   #WhatOnEarth #MarineEnvironment #BlueTransition #PlanetaryResponsibilityInsights #PRF

We are happy to share that Gail Uncontrollable Wildfires Whiteman, Founder of Arctic Basecamp, is a co-author of a new paper published today in Nature Sustainability: "City–company collaboration towards aligned science-based target setting." This open-access article highlights innovative strategies for fostering collaboration between cities and companies to achieve science-based targets, paving the way for impactful climate action. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dk2rtvSZ 📅 Publication Date: December 4, 2024 The paper is co-authored by Siir Kilkis, Xuemei Bai, Anders Bjørn, Beatrice Crona, Jianguo (Jack) Liu, Gail Uncontrollable Wildfires Whiteman, Lauren Seaby Andersen, Syezlin Hasan, Varsha Vijay, PhD, and Oscar Sabag, with open-access support from the Earth Commission. Congratulations to Gail and the entire research team for contributing to this critical work at the intersection of science, policy, and corporate responsibility. #ClimateAction #Sustainability #ScienceBasedTargets #NatureSustainability #ArcticBasecamp