Resources and materials Consumption rates and linear activities (extract-make- use-dispose) have increased resource exploitation beyond the recovery ability of ecological systems, with harmful consequences at all levels from the local to the global (established but incomplete). Globally, two out of every five people lack access to controlled waste disposal facilities. Inadequate and sometimes illegal practices include those related to food waste, e-waste, marine litter, waste trafficking and crime. Developed countries have policies in place to promote reduced waste and resource efficiency, while developing countries still face basic management challenges, such as uncontrolled dumping, open burning and inadequate access to services (well established). Sound policies for resource accounting and waste management in the context of broader sustainable consumption and production include a circular economy as one of the approaches to achieving sustainable development through reducing, reusing, remanufacturing and refurbishing products (established but incomplete). {4.4.1}


Global energy consumption is expected to rise significantly during the period from 2014 to 2040 (by as much as 63 per cent, according to one estimate), much of which is attributed to expected consumption in countries that currently depend on fossil energy sources (very likely). Equity and gender issues, such as universal access to improved final energy services, are still a problem that is far from being resolved. Despite the fast deployment and cost reduction of renewables and improvements in efficiency, without further and effective, ambitious measures, energy-related greenhouse gas emissions will result in the Paris Agreement temperature targets being missed (very likely). {4.4.2}


Despite the many benefits brought to humanity, in this, the most chemical-intensive era in history, the pollution that is associated with chemicals poses a global problem, because toxic substances can spread to the most remote environments, including to receiving water systems worldwide (well established). Products in everyday use contain toxic compounds that interfere with the health of humans, other species and the environment (well established). {4.3.3}


Multilateral environmental agreements and concerted national initiatives have made progress in addressing several of the most concerning chemicals. However, significant gaps in assessing and regulating harmful chemicals continue to exist, due, inter alia, to insufficient national legislation or enforcement to address associated risks and to missed innovation opportunities. Failure to address the risks posed by such chemicals can result in adverse impact on human health and the environment, with estimated costs amounting to hundreds of billions of US dollars (established but incomplete). Emerging issues requiring more science-based information, precaution, in accordance with international agreements (where applicable), and risk assessment and management include endocrine disruption, widespread antibiotic resistance and the use of nanotechnology. Global chemical safety requires best management practice in all countries, including the provision of access to information and public awareness (well established). Regulations, assessment and monitoring, and industry and consumer responsibility in informing and substituting the use of chemicals of global concern with safer alternatives when technically and economically feasible are needed {4.3.3}.


The food system, in response to growing and changing consumer demand, is increasing pressure on local ecosystems and the global climate (well established). Agriculture is the largest consumer of water and, when not sustainably managed, food production is a major driver of biodiversity loss and polluter of air, fresh water and oceans, as well as a leading source of soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. Changing environmental conditions and consumption patterns are both increasing such pressures and presenting new food security challenges, reflecting malnourishment, including in the form of overnourishment, as well as undernourishment. Providing nourishing and sustainable food for all, as envisaged in Sustainable Development Goal 2, remains challenged by climate change, natural resource constraints, demographic trends and national capacities, and necessitates significant changes in food production, distribution, storage, processing and consumption patterns (well established). {4.4.3}


16


Summary for Policymakers: Sixth Global Environment Outlook


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