A call to action for nexus approaches that leave no one behind

Scientists have declared that the earth is now “well outside the safe operating space for humanity” as a result of our destruction of the natural world. A recent report was the first to assess all nine planetary boundaries and found that six have been transgressed.
Similarly, the recent UNFCCC report of the first global stocktake concludes that we are not on track to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals and “now is the time to rapidly accelerate action and support to make progress”. As we enter a state that is perilous for humanity, we need solutions that address the multiple challenges we face and the need for a nexus approach is more acute than ever.
The planetary boundaries report acknowledges that global concerns such as dwindling water resources, agricultural productivity, climate change, and biodiversity loss are currently treated as separate issues. In reality, the interactions between these issues have a cumulative impact on planetary health. Planetary boundaries, the report says, “bring a scientific understanding of anthropogenic global environmental impacts into a framework that calls for considering the state of Earth system as a whole.”
One such opportunity to encourage nexus thinking is World Food Day 2023 on October 16. With the theme “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind”, the event will create a space for innovative cross-sectoral thinking, knowledge sharing and collaboration. You can take part by joining our World Food Day webinar on October 18.