In 2018 the Institute for the Future (IFTF) and Climate Investment Funds (CIF) joined forces to forecast new trends, barriers, and actors in climate change. This study was launched at the Global Climate Action Summit held in San Francisco as A New Story to Spark the Future of Climate Action
The study identified 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,” (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 are 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.” ~ 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.