What is it about?
This study draws a stark comparison between the current global response to greenhouse gas emissions and the swift action taken against ozone-depleting chemicals back in the 1980s. The response to greenhouse gases can credibly be described as a history of delays. It has been nearly 70 years since global warming was first recognised as a potential problem. Despite this, adequate global actions are still lacking. In contrast, the discovery of the ozone hole back in 1985 led to swift international action, preventing catastrophic damage to the Earth’s ozone layer.
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Why is it important?
Humanity did not wait for the discovery of the ‘ozone hole’ to act on ozone depleting chemicals. The lesson for other chemical substances is clear: we must act on weak environmental signals and seek solutions already when problems are uncertain. It is crucial to minimise the time between recognising emerging problems and implementing concrete mitigation strategies. Proactive research funding and sensitive forecasting systems are essential for anticipating weak environmental signals and developing solutions.
Perspectives
There is a need for a moratorium on the use of new compounds or their mixtures until the backlog of substances currently on the market without risk or safety evaluation is cleared. This requires a coordinated global effort and a new science-policy regulatory framework, similar to the IPCC. Stricter environmental regulations can drive innovation and benefit both companies and the public.
Dr Jan Kunnas
University of Eastern Finland
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Planetary risk society: from ignored problems to fast solutions, International Review of Applied Economics, October 2024, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/02692171.2024.2417006.
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