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Future of the Environment
Explore the latest strategic trends, research and analysis
Global Issue
Industry
Economy
4th Industrial Revolution
Global Issue
Industry
Economy
4th Industrial Revolution
Future of the Environment
Explore context
Forests
Here's how the Earth's forests have changed since the last ice age
Since the last ice age, deforestation has rapidly reduced the area of habitable land covered by forests due to urbanization and agricultural expansion.
Cities and Urbanization
A net zero carbon future for cities
The World Economic Forum is convening stakeholders with a role to play for global cities to have a chance of reaching the net zero carbon goal by 2030.
Forests
Climate change: Why we must consider Indigenous lands
A new report by the Forest Declaration Assessment says that fulfilling the Paris Agreement won’t be possible without protecting indigenous land and people.
Energy
Scientists achieve record energy efficiency for thin solar panels
Scientists have improved the energy absorption of thin solar panels. What does this mean and how will it impact the solar photovoltaics market in future?
Cities and Urbanization
Cities are a key cause of climate change, but they can also be key to solving it
Cities are a key cause of climate change, but they can also be key to solving it.
Workforce and Employment
Upskill for green jobs of the future
The need for skills related to the green economy is rising, but reskilling and upskilling are required as demand for green talent is outstripping supply.
Climate Change
Planting trees can help the climate, but only if we also stop burning fossil fuels
Nature-based climate solutions such as reforestation offer only temporary carbon storage. Misunderstanding this could lead to more emissions and warming.
Climate Change
5 takeaways from the latest IPCC report
The latest IPCC report of 2022 emphasizes the role of nature in addressing climate change. We can still meet climate targets if we completely transform the way we interact with Earth's re...
Future of the Environment
Everything to know about the environment this week
Top environment stories: Climate disasters a 'major threat' to Middle East and Central Asia; The rise of global green finance; Canada releases roadmap for climate targets.
United States
50% of U.S. lakes and rivers are too polluted for swimming, fishing, drinking
Indiana has the worst statistics for rivers with Florida worst for lakes, says a new report released 50 years after the US passed the Clean Water Act.
Forests
The Amazon rainforest is losing its resilience – here's what we need to do
Three-quarters of the Amazon rainforest is losing its ability to bounce back from repeated disturbances, mostly in regions near human activity or with less rainfall.
Forests
What is the link between rising deforestation and poverty in Nigeria?
The Akure-Ofosu Forest Reserve was set up to protect Nigeria's rainforest, but fire and logging have destroyed 44% of primary forest cover in 20 years.
Forests
3 ways Colombians are making an income while restoring the Amazon rainforest
Communities in Colombia are replacing work that once relied on deforestation with businesses that protect and restore the Amazon rainforest - called the bioeconomy.
Climate Change
These five short walks can motivate us to protect the wider environment
With the constant reminder of climate change, it can make us feel individually powerless. An expert explains how psychogeography can help change this.
Climate Change
Five ways that high-tech maps can help protect biodiversity
High-tech maps can provide a clear picture of which species are most at threat and why, helping to track and protect those on the brink of extinction
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