<aside> <img src="/icons/arrow-right_gray.svg" alt="/icons/arrow-right_gray.svg" width="40px" /> This section will help you to get a better understanding on A&R historical approach

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Global overview

Since the second half of the 20th century and the rise of capitalism, the pressure of human activities on ecosystems has become so significant that it is now considered the primary force altering the interaction of the planet's physical, chemical, and biological processes.

The impacts of human activities have severely disrupted the "Earth System" and caused extensive damage to the ecosystems on which we depend.

Warnings about the consequences of climate change have deep historical roots, with key developments starting in the mid-20th century. Here's a brief overview of some critical milestones:

1951

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published a pioneering report advocating for a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation to highlight the impact of human activity on the environment

1972

• The Club of Rome published the Limits to Growth report, which warned about the dangers of unchecked economic growth (resource depletion, pollution, overexploitation of natural systems)
• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established, marking a significant step in global efforts to address environmental issues

Adaptation

1970s-1980s

• The concept of adaptation to climate change began to emerge during this period, largely as a theoretical response to the potential long-term impacts of climate shifts. Discussions were largely focused on the theoretical implications and the future need for societies to adjust to changing environmental conditions.

1990s

• Adaptation gained concrete recognition with the first report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This report highlighted the importance of not only mitigating greenhouse gas emissions but also adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change.