Whether intentionally or unintentionally, human activities are constantly destroying the environment. Due to the unsustainable production of essential food and fossil fuels, the environment is being damaged by an estimated USD 5 billion (GBP 3.8 billion) every hour. This alarming picture has recently emerged from a major United Nations report. Environmental experts warn that stopping this damage requires a fundamental transformation of global governance, the economy, and financial systems. Otherwise, avoiding an "inevitable environmental collapse" or catastrophe will be impossible.
In the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) report prepared for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) by around 200 researchers worldwide, Professor Robert Watson states:
"The climate crisis, nature loss, and pollution are not only environmental crises. These crises threaten our economies, food security, water security, human health, and national security, and in many regions are turning into conflict."
Experts also point out that as the global population grows, demand for food and energy is increasing. To meet this demand, food and fossil fuels are being produced in ways that pollute the planet and destroy nature. They emphasize that a sustainable world is still possible, but achieving it requires political courage and decisive action. Researcher Professor Edgar Gutiérrez-Espeleta warns:
"Before environmental and nature destruction becomes inevitable, transformation of human systems is urgently needed. We have the knowledge, we have the solutions-what we need is courage and political will and commitment."
However, difficult geopolitical conditions and the interests of some countries, including the United States, as well as powerful corporate groups, are working to block environmental action. Watson says,
"People must raise their voices to demand a sustainable and environmentally sound future for their children."
The nearly 1,100-page GEO report is usually published with a summary for policymakers. This time, however, consensus on the summary could not be reached due to strong opposition from fossil-fuel-producing, oil-rich countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, Russia, Turkey, and Argentina. As a result, continued unsustainable food and fossil fuel production systems are pushing the environment toward even greater harm.
Meanwhile, in a joint statement by 28 countries including the United Kingdom, it was declared: "There can be no bargaining with science, the environment, nature, and life."
The report emphasizes that the long-term cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of taking action. The benefits of climate action alone could prevent economic losses of USD 20 trillion per year by 2070 and USD 100 trillion by 2100. Watson notes,
"Forward-looking countries and the private sector must understand that there is profit in addressing this crisis, and far greater loss in ignoring it."
Gutiérrez-Espeleta highlights several "critical truths" in the report: the environmental crisis is a political and security emergency; today's governments and economic systems are failing humanity; and financial reform lies at the heart of transformation.
"Environmental policy must become the backbone of national security, social justice, and the economy."
According to the report's estimates, burning coal, oil, and gas, combined with pollution from industrial agriculture and nature destruction, causes USD 45 trillion in environmental damage each year. Of this, USD 20 trillion comes from food systems, USD 13 trillion from transport, and USD 12 trillion from fossil-fuel-based electricity. Because these "external costs" are not included in the true prices of food and energy, consumers do not see the real scale of the damage. Watson cautions that if prices rise, poorer communities may be harmed, so expanded social protection is essential.
The report recommends measures such as universal basic income, taxes on meat, and increased subsidies for plant-based foods. It also notes that USD 1.5 trillion in harmful subsidies is currently provided to fossil fuels, agriculture, and mining-subsidies that must be eliminated.
Watson explains that in many countries, wind and solar power are already cheaper, but the business interests tied to fossil fuels-especially in oil-rich nations-stand in the way. These interests may also try to downplay the true scale of the climate crisis. According to the report, removing fossil fuel subsidies could reduce global emissions by one-third.
To protect the planet from environmental catastrophe, expectations are clear: the use of fossil fuels must be reduced, and the production and use of solar and wind energy must be increased. Achieving this requires access to technology and strong political commitment at the international level.
The writer is a student of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, North South University
