Understanding the great unravelling

The report defines the polycrisis as a multifaceted crisis. It occurs due to interrelated ecological, economic, energy, and equity challenges facing humankind. The authors outlined systemic challenges such as global heating, water and resource depletion, soil degradation, and increasing social inequality. These challenges are interconnected, and they can ultimately lead to an irreversible tipping point of the Earth’s biosphere. The transition to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable planet requires adaptive skills and behaviours across the social spectrum.

Environmental unravelling

The report provides insight into how environmental scientists have sought to quantify the types and degrees of negative human impact on the Earth’s biosphere. Termed the ‘planetary boundaries’ and ‘ecological footprint analysis’, the report outlines how humankind has breached five of the nine currently identified planetary boundaries. These breaches pose imminent risk to humanity, earth systems, and planetary factors.

Social unravelling

The report outlines how the polycrisis has a direct influence on society, stating that without resolving critical ecological challenges, social crises will worsen. Emerging social challenges include job losses in certain regions due to the green transition, budget cuts, nationalism, xenophobia, and social unrest. The report recommends that everyone needs to work cooperatively to build resilience and find local-level solutions to social and environmental challenges.

The myth of progress

The report highlights that the myth of progress is embedded in modern society, making it challenging to work together cohesively. The report suggests that humans measure progress by quantifiable, materialistic standards such as GDP, which does not take into account non-renewable natural resources’ exhaustion. The report calls for a more transformative approach that considers both social equity and ecological limits.

The dilemma of growth

The report outlines how growth in the current economic system is environmentally unsustainable and socially unsustainable. Additionally, the report outlines how an infinite expansion approach is not practical due to the finite nature of the planet’s resources. Therefore, the report recommends a shift from the current growth-oriented economic system to one that prioritises ecological sustainability, indicating green energy development, and the circular economy as modalities.

The necessity of a Green New Deal (GND)

The report critiques existing opinions regarding the efficacy of proposals for a GND. Whilst the introduction of GND is an improvement from prior policies, the report outlines its limitations. These include the focus on manufacturing jobs to deploy renewable energy technologies, which do not recognise fossil fuels’ importance, the issue of scaling renewable energy systems to replace fossil fuels effectually, and social impacts of a rapid transition. The report recommends a holistic, comprehensive approach that emphasises a reduction in dependence on technological solutions.

Practical personal steps for building resilience

The report provides pragmatic steps that individuals and communities can take to build resilience. These include creating a local, circular economy, living a low-carbon lifestyle, engaging in local politics, and fostering social cohesion.