The United Nations Environment Programme on Tuesday urged for foresight-driven governance and systemic reliance in a rapidly transforming world, marked by technological advances and multiplying environmental, social and political challenges.

In its foresight report titled Navigating New Horizons, the environment authority highlighted the increasing likelihood of a “polycrisis” — a cascade of interconnected global disruptions — while offering a roadmap to shift from instability to sustainability.

Based on an 18-month exercise, the findings revealed eight critical shifts shaping the global landscape, including worsening inequality, mass displacement, and the rise of artificial intelligence.

The report painted a challenging picture of humanity’s trajectory with 18 identified signals of change, such as the emergence of ancient pathogens from thawing permafrost and the intensifying risk of antimicrobial resistance.

The Era of Polycrisis

UNEP defines “polycrisis” as the interaction of multiple crises across global systems that significantly degrade planetary health and human well-being. The report warned that the convergence of the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and pollution was amplifying risks to global stability.

“The speed and scale of change are unprecedented,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP. “We must embrace foresight to navigate these challenges and shape a sustainable future.”

Signals of Change and Potential Disruptions

Among the key signals identified:

  • Thawing Permafrost: Ancient microbes and pathogens released by Arctic warming could trigger new global health emergencies.
  • Antimicrobial Resistance: Growing resistance to antibiotics threatens to render common infections untreatable, potentially becoming a leading cause of death worldwide.
  • Zoonotic Diseases: Environmental degradation and species range shifts heighten the risk of pandemics caused by zoonotic spillovers.
  • Misinformation and Polarization: A rise in eco-anxiety and distrust in scientific evidence undermines global action on environmental challenges.

Key Recommendations

The report emphasizes the need for a new global social contract prioritizing equity, resilience, and sustainability. It calls for:

  1. Agile Governance: Strengthening anticipatory and adaptive policies to address rapid changes.
  2. Intergenerational Equity: Amplifying the voices of youth and marginalized groups in decision-making.
  3. Collaborative Innovation: Leveraging AI and emerging technologies for positive transformation while mitigating risks.

Hope Amidst Crisis

Despite the dire warnings, the report points to signs of progress, including the rapid expansion of renewable energy and global commitments to biodiversity conservation. “The solutions are as interconnected as the crises,” Andersen noted, underscoring the potential for systemic approaches to turn polycrisis into “polystability.”

With the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals off track and irreversible environmental damage looming, UNEP’s report is a clarion call for action.

As the world navigates through this era of polycrisis, it is essential to foster a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration among nations, communities and individuals.

Also Read:

UNEP Urges Drastic Emissions Cuts to Avert Climate Catastrophe