UN University Calls for Deep Societal Changes to Tackle Environmental Crises

A new UN University report, Turning Over a New Leaf, urges humanity to address the root causes of environmental challenges by fundamentally transforming societal values, consumption patterns, and structures. The report, prepared by the Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), critiques current approaches as “superficial fixes” and emphasizes the need for deep systemic change.

Instead of focusing on recycling or mitigating symptoms like global warming, the report calls for reducing plastic use and drastically cutting fossil fuel consumption. It introduces the Theory of Deep Change, which combines “inner levers” (shifts in mindset, such as viewing humanity as interconnected) with “outer levers” (systemic changes like policy reforms and education).

Key recommendations include transitioning to a circular economy, redefining humanity’s relationship with nature, fostering collective responsibility, and prioritizing planetary health over economic wealth. The report concludes that individual mindset shifts must be supported by systemic government action to transform interconnected risks into opportunities.