GET it now - Global Environmental Outlook Briefing 2024

Few deny that the state of the natural environment is a serious concern that needs global action but many struggle to fully comprehend the complexity and scale of the issues. Helping businesses, authorities and citizens navigate the dense body of scientific knowledge and research will be pivotal in combating climate change and accelerating the transition to universal sustainable living.

The Global Environmental Outlook Briefing 2024 aims to cut through some of the layers of complexity associated with environmental data by adopting a cross-cutting, global perspective with less emphasis on the localisation of data and the separation of related subjects.

Global viewpoint

Some of the complexity in environmental reports is created by the localising of data where each measure is broken down by region or country. Although there are good reasons for offering local perspectives, the global picture can be obscured by an over saturation of detail.

Joined-up thinking

Another feature of environmental data is the separate coverage given to related subjects. The practical need to focus individually on complex subjects is well justified but its effect also creates difficulty when looking at the situation from a global, objective perspective.

Cross-cutting clarity

Adopting a cross-subject, global level perspective also has its drawbacks. There are gaps and disparities in the geographic provision of data that makes global aggregation problematic. The ecological subject matter is often so complex and uncertain that there is a strong risk of oversimplification.

However, with caveats, an approach that places issues side-by-side on a simplified global scale should support greater clarity of thought and appreciation of the environmental situation.

Briefing summary

The Global Environmental Outlook Briefing 2024 provides a concise summary of the latest assessments of global environmental conditions and trends.

The results are illustrated in the Global Environmental Outlook Matrix chart where each issue is plotted in terms of historical condition and future trend

Overall Outlook - Poor conditions, worsening trend

Natural resources, Biodiversity and Climate change are in a critical state - all require urgent, globally coordinated, large-scale action to reverse the trend.

The conditions of Waste output and Air Quality are variable but on track to recover globally. Targeted action is needed to address regional hotspots.

Read the full report below.