New York: Humanity faces a crucial choice: proactive change 'by design' or reactive change through environmental disaster, according to leading experts from a newly published United Nations University report. The researchers argue that addressing global crises requires a fundamental shift from merely managing symptoms to transforming society's underlying structures and assumptions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Caitlyn Eberle, senior researcher at the UN University's Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and one of the lead authors of the 2025 Interconnected Disaster Risks report, warned, 'Something is going to happen, and we can't keep living in these systems as they're functioning now. Change will either happen by disaster or by design.' Released last month, the report outlines why intentional, systemic transformation is critical for preventing catastrophic environmental tipping points. Eberle emphasized the importance of making changes by design to avoid reaching disastrous tipping points.
At the core of the report lies a compelling question: if the solutions to environmental problems are known, why is meaningful progress not being made? The researchers argue that current efforts are too narrowly focused on symptoms rather than addressing root causes. Eberle explained the report's central analogy, comparing society to a tree where climate change and pollution are the rotten fruits. The report suggests addressing root causes like assumptions and beliefs about how the world works rather than just pruning off symptoms. For example, drastically reducing plastic production is necessary instead of merely recycling plastic to solve the pollution crisis.
A fundamental root cause highlighted by the researchers is the problematic perception that humans hold regarding their relationship with nature. Irmak Karakislak, a senior expert at UNU-EHS and another lead author, identified a flaw in human thinking: the belief that humans are superior to or separate from nature. The report advocates for a radical shift towards viewing humans as one with nature. To achieve such transformation, the authors introduce a 'Theory of Deep Change,' distinguishing surface-level adjustments from deeper transformations in society's core assumptions and institutions.
According to the researchers, meaningful transformation requires activating both 'inner levers' and 'outer levers.' Inner levers involve shifts in individual and collective mindsets, cultivating values like interconnectedness, responsibility, and empathy. Karakislak emphasized that transformation becomes achievable when people start to care about others, their community, the planet, and future generations. Outer levers involve tangible systemic actions such as policy shifts, international agreements, technological innovation, and reform in education and governance.
The researchers recognize the power of large corporations but emphasize the considerable influence individuals collectively hold. Eberle noted that shifting individual opinions about treating nature can facilitate performing outer levers like supporting legislation for environmental protection. Acknowledging the challenge, Eberle added that even incremental progress is significant, pushing society further in the right direction. Karakislak reminded people that change is often radical until it becomes a reality, citing the Montreal Protocol as an example of successful multilateral action.
Despite feelings of hopelessness, Eberle remains hopeful, asserting that the report shows positive change is already happening. Human-made problems like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss can be unmade, and it is entirely within our power to change.