In 1992, governments worldwide agreed to work towards a more sustainable development that
would eradicate poverty, halt climate change and conserve ecosystems. Although progress has been
made in some areas, actions have not been able to bend the trend in other, critical areas of
sustainable development โ areas such as those providing access to sufficient food and modern forms
of energy, preventing dangerous climate change, conserving biodiversity and controlling air
pollution. Without additional effort, these sustainability objectives also will not be achieved by
2050.
This report analyses how combinations of technological measures and changes in consumption
patterns could contribute to achieving a set of sustainability objectives, taking into account the
interlinkages between them. The potential exists for achieving all of the objectives. The fundamental
question here relates to the type of governance structures that could bring about the transformative
changes required to meet the sustainable development objectives. We suggest a pragmatic
governance approach that consists of a shared vision for 2050, strengthened short-term targets, and
strong policy actions by governments, building on the strength of civil society and business