Research Challenge Broad Sustainability (part of IFR program)

Human-caused perturbations of Earth systems may mean crossing several planetary safety boundaries, and this may lead to problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, chemical pollution and freshwater use. Climate change makes these risks increasingly visible, through droughts, floodings, forest fires and sea level rise. In order to be sustainable, society may have to reorganize its fundamental interactions with these Earth systems. For this, it is proposed that we may need to engage in phasing-out fossil energy sources, build a circular economy and adapt to increased risks.