Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 14.1
Research challenges identified in Future Earth. (From Mauser et al.
2013
)
Grand challenges for research
Forecasting- improve the usefulness of forecasts of future
environmental conditions and their consequences for people
Observing- develop, enhance and integrate the observations
system needed to manage global and regional environmental
change
Defining- determine how to anticipate, recognise, avoid and
manage disruptive global environmental change
Responding-determine what institutional, economic and
behavioural changes can enable effective steps towards
global sustainability
Innovating- encourage innovation in developing tech-
nological, policy and social responses to achieve global
sustainability
Research questions associated
with the Grand Challenges
How can humanity feed a growing world population within
sustainable boundaries of the Earth system? How can
governance be aligned with the opportunities for global
sustainability?
What risks is humanity taking in the Anthropocene, from
negative implications on development, to tipping points
with catastrophic implications for human societies?
How can the world economy and available technologies be
transformed to stimulate innovation processes that foster
sustainable development?
In a rapidly urbanizing world, how can humanity design and
sustain liveable and sustainable cities?
How can humanity succeeded in rapid global transition to a
low carbon economy that secures energy access for all and
preserves the remaining biodiversity on Earth?
How can societies adapt to the social and ecological conse-
quences of warmer world and what are the barriers, limits
and opportunities in adaptation?
How can natural capital, ecosystem services, and environ-
mental processes on Earth be shared in a fair way among all
citizens of the world?
What lifestyles, ethics and values are conducive to envi-
ronmental stewardship and human well-being and how
might these evolve to support a positive transition to global
sustainability?
How does global environmental change affects poverty
and development, and how can the world eradicate poverty
and create rewarding livelihoods while achieving global
sustainability?
