In 2022, a group of scientists, economists and policymakers launched a bold project called Earth for All. Using systems thinking, they explored how the global economy could change between now and 2050. Their goal was to find out what kinds of action could help meet everyone’s needs within the limits of our planet.
In this subtopic, you will explore two very different future scenarios. In Too Little, Too Late, states and powerful institutions delay action. As a result, poverty, inequality and ecological breakdown grow worse. In The Giant Leap, states and communities take fast, fair, and bold action. They redesign systems to create a safer, more caring world.
The subtopic focuses on five major transformations that make The Giant Leap possible: ending poverty, reducing economic inequality, achieving gender equality, transforming food systems, and shifting to clean energy. These changes are deeply connected. When they are tackled together, they reinforce each other and help to build a thriving future.
You will also learn how states can lead these transformations, using their power to change goals, rules and feedback within economic systems. The future depends on what we do now. With strong public support and clear direction, states can help shift us away from crisis and towards regeneration.
At the end of Subtopic 5.4, you should be able to:
explain the role of scenario planning for economic transformation and outline the two future scenarios highlighted by the Earth4All model
explain the role of ending poverty; reducing income, wealth and gender inequalities; and transforming food and energy systems for The Giant Leap scenario
discuss some high-leverage recommendations from the Earth4All system model for ending poverty; reducing income, wealth and gender inequalities; and transforming food and energy systems