The declaration warns that humanity is driving the planet into a new epoch, the Anthropocene, where human activities dominate planetary processes. The conference calls for urgent action and proposes new initiatives to promote global sustainability, including a new framework for development goals and a UN Sustainable Development Council.
The Inclusive Wealth Indicator combines natural, human, and manufactured capital to assess a country's economic and environmental progress. The first report will feature 20 nations and aims to provide a bi-annual assessment of transition to the green economy.
By 2030, humanity's urban footprint will occupy an additional 1.5 million square kilometers, equivalent to the combined territories of France, Germany, and Spain. The forecast urban population in 2050 is expected to reach 6.3 billion, with dense cities designed for efficiency offering a promising path to sustainability.
Key indicators of the planet's state include higher carbon dioxide levels, rising air and ocean temperatures, melting sea ice and permafrost, and biodiversity loss. Scientists warn that if trends are not reversed, critical thresholds will be pushed beyond, leading to catastrophic consequences.
The Planet under Pressure conference brings together 2,500 specialists to present scientific knowledge on the planet's state and potential solutions. Public events at science centers and museums worldwide will take place concurrently, giving the public a snapshot of the planet's state and scientific concern.