Area of Concern

Climate Change

The Institute for the Future and Climate Investment Funds join forces at the Global Climate Action Summit to forecast new trends, barriers, and actors in climate change

The next decade is rich with opportunities to take meaningful action against climate change, a new study from the Institute for the Future (IFTF) and the $8.3 billion Climate Investment Funds (CIF) shows. Launched today at the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, the A New Story to Spark the Future of Climate Action study and its accompanying art installation illustrate opportunity zones for climate action over the next decade—including artificial intelligence, digital engagement, youth movements, and the new climate economy—that can accelerate progress toward a low-carbon world.

The joint study forecasts trends that will mold the climate action landscape by 2030. Their analysis concludes, among other things, that disruptive technologies like blockchain and the rise of “solastalgia,” or the wistfulness one feels about terrains lost to climate change, will be increasingly powerful drivers of global and community-level change.

“The problems of climate change may seem intractable, yet there are areas where constructive action is not only possible, but already happening. We’ve identified numerous signals that positive change is happening now—from an increase in women leaders who are more likely to take action on climate change, to the use of ‘good bots’ to initiate climate action globally. This report shows stakeholders that there are positive scenarios to consider as they ponder how to engage on this crucial issue.” Marina Gorbis, Executive Director of IFTF

IFTF’s climate action framework is designed to stimulate thought and action on climate issues by describing hopeful signs of change happening now, asking provocative questions, pointing out areas of friction and providing positive scenarios for the future for stakeholders to consider as they ponder the actions they might want to take.

According to the report, governments, manufacturers, investors, and individuals can accelerate climate action in a variety of ways, including:

  • Understanding that climate change is an economic opportunity. Climate action has investment potential in the trillions of dollars, and the ability to ramp up innovation, clean industries, and green jobs.
  • Turning to women as climate leaders. Women are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change, but if fully empowered, they can be effective climate advocates as policymakers and community leaders.
  • Deploying bots as a force for good. Internet bots, a technology better known for dividing public opinion, have the potential to spur climate activism at scale.
“We have a golden opportunity to set a new course for confronting climate change. A New Story to Spark The Future of Climate Action offers a roadmap for a healthier planet and a stronger economy that reap the social and financial benefits of sustainability. This is a colossal challenge, but we hold the power to make a difference.” Mafalda Duarte, Head of CIF

A New Story to Spark the Future of Climate Action

THINK GLOBALLY, ACT EVERYWHERE

This map is more than an outline of a new narrative for the future. It’s a tool for matching external forces to design new coalitions, identify areas for experimentation, and capitalize on new opportunities to accelerate climate action.

IFTF The Future of Climate Action Map Cover Thumb Page 1

Art to Spark the Future of Climate Action

To further provoke action on climate change now, IFTF and the CIF hosted a panel discussion and exhibit of original artworks that make tangible an array of possible utopian and dystopian climate futures.

IFTF asked artists to create provocative visions that demonstrate the futures of climate action, with the goal of sparking a change of mindset and action among experts, investors, manufacturers, governments and individuals.

Art Commissions for "A New Story to Spark the Future of Climate Action in 2030"

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Cindy Baskin

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