Tackling the scarcity of resources

One of our most considerable challenges is the handling of natural resources, which will be needed for the survival of 9 billion people by 2050.

AS IF WE HAD 1.7 EARTHS.

Humankind is facing a crisis. The world renowned “National Footprint Accounts” have found that we are exploiting nature 1.7 times faster than it is able to recover.[1] The effects were clearly shown in a report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in May 2019: 1 million out of the 8 million species around the world are facing extinction.[2]

Did You Know?

  • 1.7

    Earths - we are currently using nature 1.7 times faster than our planet's ecosystems can regenerate.

  • 7x

    population growth: since 1800, the world population has grown sevenfold, surpassing 7.6 billion.

  • 20%

    of the Amazon rainforest has disappeared in just 50 years.

    THE ENVIRONMENT IS SUFFERING.

    These improvements have an effect on the atmosphere, the polar ice, the oceans, forests, soil, and diversity of species.[3] Greenhouse gas emissions have doubled since 1980. Average temperatures have increased globally by at least 0.7 degrees Celsius. Climate change is already showing.[4] Apart from climate change, according to the current “Living Planet Report,” the main sources of animal deaths are overfishing, agriculture, and the conversion of nature into agricultural landscapes. In short: consumerism gone out of control. 

    Scarcity of resources Visual

       

    FIRST STEPS HAVE BEEN MADE.

    There is no singular scientific direction which deals with managing the scarcity of resources. Very different disciplines of science, from atmospheric physics to artificial intelligence (AI), are working together on this issue. They show how we can preserve the natural reserves of the Earth and reduce our harmful impact. 

    OUR RESPONSIBILITY, OUR EFFORT

    The better handling of our natural resources is one of the biggest challenges humans have had to face. Innovators can change the world, and possibly even save it. We are a leading company in the field of scientific research and therefore not only have a responsibility, but also the opportunity to advance innovation. 

    Discover the diverse areas in which we are currently working for a more sustainable future:

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      Additional sources

      References

      [1] Resources 2018, 7(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources7030058
      [2] IPBES report: https://www.ipbes.net/news/Media-Release-Global-Assessment
      [3] https://www.nature.com/articles/415023a
      [4] IPBES report: https://www.ipbes.net/news/Media-Release-Global-Assessment

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