New Delhi: A study inferred that rising inequality in the world for the next 50 years might lead to more dysfunctional societies, causing cooperation against existential threats like climate change more difficult, IANS reported.
But the study, 'Earth for All: A Survival Guide for Humanity', suggests that the world can still stabilise global temperatures below two degrees Celsius and approach an end to poverty by 2050 by enacting five 'extraordinary turnarounds' that break with current trends.
The study, published as a book titled 'Earth for All', said, "We are standing on a cliff edge," said Jorgen Randers, one of the six authors of the book and co-author of 'The Limits to Growth' published 50 years ago. "In the next 50 years, the current economic system will drive up social tensions and drive down wellbeing. We can already see how inequality is destabilising people and the planet."
"Unless there is truly extraordinary action to redistribute wealth, things will get significantly worse. We are already sowing the seeds for regional collapse. Societies are creating vicious cycles where rising social tensions that are exacerbated by climate breakdown, will continue to lead to a decline in trust."
"This risks an explosive combination of extreme political destabilisation and economic stagnation at a time when we must do everything we can to avoid climate catastrophes."
Sandrine Dixson-Decleve, author and co-president of the Club of Rome, said: "Our economic and financial systems are broken, and we are reaching dangerous levels of inequality. Do we want to create the first trillionaire, or do we want to create functional, fair democratic societies? Ultimately, Earth for All is about building societies that value prosperity for all rather than profit for the few on a finite planet fit for the 21st century.
"Let's be clear, a more equal society benefits everyone, even the very rich."
Ahead of significant political events such as UNGA and COP 27, Earth4All is launching 'Earth for All: A Survival Guide for Humanity', which presents the results of a two-year research project that brought together leading scientists, economic thinkers and a team of 'systems dynamics' computer modellers.