The year 2022 was very challenging for many reasons, from the war in Ukraine, to the energy and food crisis, inflation, the increase in inequality, the increase in burning of coal and fossil fuels… But above all, it was visible globally, that climate change is accelerating with extreme heat waves in East Africa, hurricanes like Ian and Fiona, extreme droughts in Europe or Brazil, floods in Pakistan, West Africa or South Africa, storms in Northern and Central Europe, tropical storms in the Philippines or hurricanes in Bangladesh, just to to name a few examples. In addition to hunger, these phenomena also caused deaths and displaced millions. Spain has seen devastating heatwaves (with an annual temperature record already exceeding 15 degrees on record), more than 300,000 hectares of burnt land, one of the most important droughts of the past 50 years. It is vital that we take action to mitigate these impacts and protect people and the environment.
Sustainability policies are key to addressing these challenges, and they need to be robust and science-based to make a real impact. That must be the focus for 2023.
This must be the year of decarbonisation, through measures such as energy efficiency, the introduction of renewable energy, the electrification of the economy, but also through a reduction required in many of the most polluting activities. The principle of differentiated responsibility must be taken into account and applied so that those sectors that have contributed significantly to the problem of greenhouse gas emissions are given greater responsibility for solving them. Emissions continue to rise around the world, including in Spain, which is why real success in decarbonizing society has yet to be achieved. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has also proposed that governments tax the extraordinary profits of fossil fuel companies and use this tax to offset the damage caused by the climate crisis.
Products and materials must be efficiently reused and recycled to avoid generating waste and reducing dependence on natural resources.
In 2023, humanity must take biodiversity protection more seriously, as indicated at the COP15 Summit in Montreal. Their loss has serious consequences for the environment and society. Some actions that can help are protecting natural habitats, sustainable forest management and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and mainstreaming biodiversity into all plans and programs.
Circular economy is another focus for the coming year as it promotes efficient use of resources and reduces environmental impact. In addition, it can contribute to job creation and long-term sustainability. Products and materials must be efficiently reused and recycled to avoid generating waste and reducing dependence on natural resources.
In this wish list of how we can improve the planet by 2023, tackling inequality is another of the key challenges. Social and economic inequalities have increased in recent years and have a negative impact on everyone’s quality of life and on the stability of societies. It can be combated through measures that promote equal opportunities and social justice, such as B. redistribution, promoting quality jobs, social protection for the most vulnerable and improving education and training.
Citizen participation can be useful to find creative and affordable solutions to reduce carbon footprint, promote biodiversity conservation and protect ecosystems.
Transparency is another pending task in 2023 and can be addressed with information and accountability as key principles to foster trust and accountability in business and public institutions. Transparency implies the availability of relevant and verifiable data to the public, while accountability must take into account an organization’s activities and decisions, so greenwashing (image washing due to sustainability) must go straight. Clear and regular indicators are needed that continuously warn us whether we are making progress or not.
Also in 2023 and in times of crisis caused by the ecological crisis and climate change, it is particularly important to involve the community in decision-making and in the implementation of sustainable policies and measures. Open democracy and citizens’ assemblies are essential to encourage participation and ensure that policies reflect the needs and concerns of all members of the community. This is not only crucial for decision-making, but also for the implementation and monitoring of the measures decided. Therefore, it can be useful to find creative and affordable solutions to reduce carbon footprint, promote biodiversity conservation and protect ecosystems. In addition, it helps to strengthen trust in institutions and social cohesion, which can be valuable, especially in times of uncertainty and crisis. It is important to have mechanisms in place to ensure that the decisions taken in citizens’ assemblies are effectively implemented and maintained over time, and allow citizens to evaluate and monitor them.
All of these actions are important to achieve a more sustainable future. And they need to be applied at all levels of different governments as well as by private actors. Society, for its part, must engage and engage in each of these areas. There is a lot to do and the practice of being a sustainability advocate can be very addicting. There is still time to change the future. Let’s use it.
Fernando Prieto He is a Doctor of Ecology and Director of the Observatory of Sustainability.
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