New research reveals path to prosperity for planet and people if Earth’s critical resources are better shared

New research, co-authored by University of Arizona geographer Diana Liverman and published in The Lancet Planetary Health, shows that the planet will only remain able to provide even a basic standard of living for everyone in the future if economic systems and technologies are dramatically transformed and critical resources are more fairly used, managed and shared. The report findings are relevant to Arizona, Liverman said, because of the state’s record temperatures, biodiversity, and high rates of food, water and energy poverty.

The report is co-authored by over 60 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 University of Amsterdam Professor Joyeeta Gupta, Australian National University Professor Xuemei Bai, and Liverman and builds on the Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries published in Nature last year, which found that most of the vital limits within which people and the planet can thrive have been surpassed. Lauren Gifford, who was recently a post-doc in the U of A School of Geography, Development & Environment, was also an author on the paper. 

Key findings from the paper include:

• It remains possible for all humans to escape poverty and be safe from harm caused by Earth system change – but the planet’s ability to provide and protect is being stretched past its limits. 
• Scientists have identified the “Safe and Just Space” – the only space rich in opportunities – but future projections to 2050 show that this Space will shrink over time, driven by inequality, unless urgent transformations take place. 
• The only way to provide for everyone and ensure societies, businesses and economies thrive without destabilising the planet is to reduce inequalities in how critical Earth system resources, such as freshwater and nutrients, are accessed and used – alongside economic and technological transformation. 

• Cities and businesses can play a crucial role and become the stewards of our critical Earth systems. This paper provides a guide to how they can reduce their impact on the planet.

This is the first time scientists have quantified safety (a stable planet) and justice (people being protected from harm) in the same units - demonstrating that justice is a prerequisite for the safety of the planet and people. They also found that inequalities and overconsumption of finite resources by a minority are key drivers of the “Safe and Just Space” shrinking. Providing minimum resources for those who don’t currently have enough would add much less pressure on the Earth system than that currently caused by the minority who use far greater resources.

The paper calls for change in three areas: 

• Firstly, a well coordinated, intentional effort between policymakers, businesses, civil society and communities can push for changes to how we run the economy and find new policies and funding mechanisms that can address inequality whilst reducing pressure on nature and climate.
• Secondly, fundamental to the transformation is more efficient and effective management, sharing and usage of resources at every level of society – including addressing the excess consumption of some communities which is limiting access to basic resources for those who need them the most.
• Thirdly, investment in sustainable and affordable technologies is essential to help us use fewer resources and to reopen the Safe and Just Space for all - particularly where there is little or no space left.

“These are profound transformations of our societies, requiring effective governance from local to global levels. We have the knowledge and the tools. This work illuminates that space where all people, businesses and economies can thrive on a healthy planet,” said Liverman, Regents Professor Emerita in the School of Geography, Development and Environment in the U of A College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, member of the Earth Commission and co-lead of its transformations working group until 2023.

Liverman added, “Any efforts to protect the planet must take into account the needs of the millions of people that don’t even have access to the basics right now. Now decision makers need to implement policies and activities that can address inequality whilst reducing pressure on nature and climate.”

Regional Impact

Arizona is influencing and being affected by earth system boundaries – climate, biospheric, freshwater scarcity, and air and water pollution – and often more than other areas of the U.S., Liverman said. 

Liverman noted that Arizona is a hot spot for global warming, is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation, has many water challenges, and has almost a million people living under the poverty line, including many Latinx and Native American families.

“Earth system changes are affecting Arizona in many ways – through heatwaves, droughts, air pollution and species loss – and we have many vulnerable and poor people who struggle to afford food, water and energy for a decent life,” Liverman said. “Transformations in consumption, efficiency, technology, economies and government policy can reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities while reducing pressures on local and planetary systems.”

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Content adapted from the Earth Commission press release. 

Contact: Diana Liverman, School of Geography, Development & Environment, liverman@arizona.edu