World may miss net zero by 2050, courtesy COVID-19: International Science Council

What is the News?

The International Science Council has released a report titled “Unprecedented and Unfinished – COVID-19 and Implications for National and Global Policy”. 

According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic may prevent the world from achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

What is the International Science Council?

Formed in: 2018

Purpose: It is an international non-governmental organization that unites scientific bodies at various levels across the social and natural sciences. 

Headquarters: Paris, France

What are the key highlights from the report?

The report considered three potential scenarios through the year 2027: 

First: It is the most likely scenario. COVID-19 will have worsened inequalities in health, economics, development, science and technology, and society.

Second: COVID-19 will have become an endemic disease worldwide and low-income states risk health system collapse and growing food insecurity. Mental health concerns will grow even further.

Third: It is the most pessimistic scenario. The world faces high levels of harm to social wellbeing — with long-term school closures, unemployment and increased gender-based violence. Growing nationalism and polarization will inhibit cooperation on global vaccinations and trade and give rise to conflict.

What are the recommendations given by the report?

Increase adoption of the One Health approach to minimize environmental impacts and future pandemic risks.

Increase investment and knowledge sharing from high-income states.

Address the challenges of disinformation and strengthen diverse scientific advice systems to increase trust in science thereby protecting societies from acute health risks and the breakdown of social cohesion.

National and global policy considerations should address widening global inequalities not only in vaccine distribution but also related to inclusive governance, economic recovery and the digital and educational divide.

Source: The post is based on the article “World may miss net zero by 2050, courtesy COVID-19: International Science Council” published in Down To Earth on 17th May 2022.