TOPICS
Under the theme “Shifting Towards Sustainable Lifestyles”, the 2019 Forum will focus on the societal impact of the ecological transition. Through discussions and debates, speakers and participants will examine how people and organizations across the planet are responding to climate change by shifting towards more sustainable and inclusive economic models and lifestyles.
Plenary discussions will focus on 4 key areas being transformed by the ecological transition:
Food
Environmental challenges, overpopulation and competition for natural resources are making it increasingly difficult to sustainably satisfy current, let alone future, demand for the basic human needs of food and water. Agriculture is the world’s largest water polluter and is responsible for around 10-12% of global greenhouse gas emissions — thus it both contributes to and is adversely affected by climate change. The quality and safety of food is becoming more of a concern for consumers. How can we provide a growing population with healthy food produced in a way that does not harm the environment? How can different actors in the alimentary value chain work together to shift towards more sustainable practices?
Mobility
Moving people, goods and services around the world is now faster, cheaper and more efficient than ever before. As 60% of the world’s population will be living in cities by 2030, mobility demands are increasing. Experts estimate that an additional 1.2 billion cars will be on the roads by 2050. Meanwhile, the transport sector contributes nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution is a major health risk. How will we ensure that today’s demands for greater mobility are not met at the expense of future generations? What innovations and new transit paradigms are emerging to shift transport systems onto the zero-emissions, climate-resilient path?
Housing
In response to the ecological transition people are changing the way we live and the places in which we live, work, learn and play. In this session we will discuss how organizations in infrastructure and construction are shifting towards more sustainable products and business models. What are some pioneering examples of eco-efficient buildings and communities and which new technologies, energy sources and innovative materials are being used to construct them? What are the economic and social benefits of creating environmentally-friendly spaces? What systemic changes are necessary to encourage more people and communities to build green?
Production & Consumption
If the global population reaches 9.6 billion by 2050, the equivalent of almost three planets could be required to provide the natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyles. It is imperative that we act now to change the way we create, deliver and consume goods and services before we cause irreversible damage to our environment. But a mass mobilization of all actors — including citizens, communities, businesses, innovators, policymakers, researchers in all sectors and countries — is needed to transform existing production and consumption patterns. Which actors are trailblazers in the transition from a linear to a circular economy? How are companies accounting for climate, social and environmental impact in their business models? What can be done to inspire and empower more individuals to make the shift to increasingly sustainable lifestyles before it is too late?
