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How Pollution Leads to Ungovernable Societies

Learning activity

Which of the following statements are TRUE, as explained by Professor Jorgen Randers?

Key Takeaways

In this chapter, we learned about the potential impacts unchecked pollution will have on both the future of humanity and the environment.

  1. The impacts of pollution don’t stop at just climate change. Without drastic action to keep pollution within planetary boundaries, the world will become increasingly uninhabitable, driving further social unrest and ultimately rendering our societies ungovernable.

  2. It’s imperative that States recognise this trajectory, and proactively create strategies that mitigate environmental degradation while also addressing its sociopolitical ramifications, while business, civil society, and individuals must engage in sustainable practices and advocate for policies that align with environmental conservation.

Download Key Takeaways (PDF)
Further Readings
  1. UN News (2023)Science points to ‘climate collapse’ as UN chief calls COP28 to action
  2. Frehiwot Yilma (2023)Cyclone Mocha: Latest example of dire climate threat facing Myanmar’s childrenUN Myanmar
  3. Donella Meadows et al. (1972)The Limits to GrowthClub of Rome
  4. Chris Seekings (2021)Jørgen Randers: An end to growth?The Actuary
  5. The Club of Rome (2018)Jorgen Randers - The Limits to Growth (1972) in a 50-year perspective(Video)
  6. Carlos Alvarez Pereira et al. (2022)Limits and Beyond: 50 years on from The Limits to Growth, what did we learn and what’s next?Club of Rome
  7. Copernicus (2023)Canada produced 23% of the global wildfire carbon emissions for 2023