Our analysis relies on several sources. We have conducted an extensive review of literature and documentary evidence from a wide range of internationally recognised sources including international organisations, research institutes, universities, think-tanks and publications by leading experts. We have been privileged to speak with and learn from thought leaders from around the world. Our intention has been to synthesise the best available knowledge, facts, trends and projections that the global community has to offer on sustainability challenges and solutions. Looking towards 2050 – a date widely used as a temporal measure point or target in many studies – there are inevitably ranges in projections. For example, population growth estimates for 2050 vary from 8.3 to 10.9 billion people. The challenges that follow tend to be graver and more difficult to manage if the upper ranges turn out to be accurate. We have also used 2050 to denote our vision for a safe and sustainable future. This future year is intended to provide direction by setting a course of action and defining our ambitions. Realising that many targets are ambitious and perhaps unrealistic to achieve by the year 2050, the idea has been to describe the desired end-goal (rather than the presise timeline for reaching this goal). The purpose is to outline actions we must take today, tomorrow and in the years towards 2050 if we are to make the future we desire a reality. DNV GL’s 150 year history of managing risk to safeguard life, property and the environment has in itself been a source of information and experience providing us with a framework for understanding complex issues and sustainabilityrelated challenges.
THIS REPORT Reviews the broad, current trends shaping the world’s future and the likely impacts of these forces; Provides a vision of, ‘The Society of Tomorrow’, exploring what a safe and sustainable future may look like; Provides a comprehensive analysis of the social, economic, technological, political and behavioural barriers blocking or delaying the transition to this brighter future; Identifies pathways and actions which can break through these barriers; Looks in depth at how the shipping, electricity, oil & gas, food & beverage and healthcare sectors could evolve to push sustainability priorities. It provides practical examples of how DNV GL is enabling the transition towards safer, smarter, and greener business.
TIME FOR ACTION By working together we achieve more. With this report we hope to help inform, inspire and empower the leaders of tomorrow. We know that change begins at home and requires open dialogue about the issues we face. We in DNV GL want to actively participate in those dialogues and look forward to hearing your voice. Our ambition is to provide the vision, facts and insights that can fuel the transition towards a safe and sustainable future. Success requires good forces to play together. It requires action today, not tomorrow – because time is rapidly becoming our most finite resource of all. We hope you will join us on this journey.
DNV GL A SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
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