Recent applications of systems analysis for achieving sustainable futures for all on a safe planet

Nakicenovic, N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7176-4604 (2015). Recent applications of systems analysis for achieving sustainable futures for all on a safe planet. In: Systems Analysis 2015 - A Conference in Celebration of Howard Raiffa, 11 -13 November, 2015, Laxenburg, Austria.

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Abstract

The provision of sustainable and affordable energy, water and food services can be linked directly with the key global challenges including the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Taking action on the energy-water-food nexus will ameliorate central global challenges. For this, it is essential that the nexus and other dimensions needed to achieve decent and sustainable living for all become a development goal in its own right, as a systems concept. Treating the 17 SDGs adopted by the UN individually will hamper the realization of synergies and avoidance of conflicts and implementation barriers. Fortunately, there exist combinations of resources, technologies, lifestyles and policy frameworks that could provide a number of pathways toward fulfilling SDGs and achieving a long-term transformation toward sustainable future for all to the middle of the century and beyond. All of them imply a fundamental decarbonization and improved efficiencies of all human activities. Practically, this is about doing more with less. It is a paradigm-changing transformation. The dynamics of transformational change cannot be planned in detail; they are inherently unpredictable with emergent developments and dependent on human intentionality. The response strategies require deep systems understanding with adaptive approaches. The potential multiple-benefits of the transformation are enormous, ranging from improved human health to sustainable lifestyles. A possible conclusion is that a new systems science for policy is needed to achieve transformational change. This is inherently normative and consistent the emerging new social contract to achieve decent living for all within the boundaries of keeping the planet safe.

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