2018 CCICED Issues Paper: Shocks, Innovation and Ecological Civilization

The need for transformative changes to environment and development relationships cannot be denied. We know what is needed and the urgency of creating successful interventions. Indeed, through innovation there are many economic opportunities to be harvested through green development. Still, there will be shocks ahead. A bumpy ride can be predicted. China’s efforts nationally are supported by theory and practices for construction of an Ecological Civilization linking five key policy action areas: economy, social, cultural, environmental and political. The EU has created an impressive policy effort involving its member nations. However there is no guarantee of success, and even if goals are met, an ecologically and environmentally secure future will require much additional action. The decade ahead is significant, since option foreclosure is already occurring, and by 2030 unfulfilled tasks will be much more difficult, especially for water use, green urbanization, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable ocean use.

Document Type: Issues Papers Year: 2018 Phase: Phase VI (2017-2022) Concluded