Chapter 1: Climate, security and the anthropocene era

The verdict is in: our climate is changing, and it’s—at least partially—due to our behaviour.

It’s hard to fathom that humans can have such a profound impact on the Earth. In the midst of this so-called Anthropocene era—one where human activity influences natural ecosystems, this matters more than ever before—the question remains: can we shift our influence for good?

The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Summit in Paris represented a watershed for this very topic. The signing of the Paris Agreement brought together nearly 200 nations in search of solutions. The narrative around energy is shifting, and political and financial pressures are spurring technological advances to reduce our worldwide dependence on fossil fuel. The question remains whether this will be enough.

Even if we are able to increase renewable energy and halt the global temperature increase in its tracks, water availability is still expected to decrease by up to 50 percent over the next two decades. Radical innovation at the intersection of climate, water, energy, agriculture and food production is needed. These closely intertwined areas represent an opportunity, but also a risk. To be successful, these innovations must be supported by fundamental changes in political and social attitudes.