Open AccessSustainability and Existential Risks with Special Reference to Climate Change - An Overview
Author(s) -
Muhamad Awang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
iop conference series. earth and environmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.179
H-Index - 26
eISSN - 1755-1307
pISSN - 1755-1315
DOI - 10.1088/1755-1315/810/1/012012
Subject(s) - sustainability , sustainable development , climate change , environmental resource management , existentialism , environmental planning , environmental ethics , political science , economics , environmental science , ecology , law , biology , philosophy
The initial part of this paper provides an overview on conceptual framework of sustainability and sustainable development in balancing the needs for development and environmental conservation. The concept is based on structural and functional diversity relationship of natural ecosystem functioning and environmental filters that determine its services sustainably. Subsequently, the paper deals with a brief historical perspective of eco-development initiated by the United Nations and other relevant agencies that lead to the promulgation of the “17-Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” in 2016. On the existential risks and potential future risks of humanity with special reference to the current and future potential impact of global climate change as consequence of energy transition from fossil fuel to renewable are also discussed. The paper ends with the way forward with an enlightenment optimism rather than romantic declinism in achieving the goal of Paris climate agreement.