Design for a 1.5°C Future: Integrating Biodiversity and Climate Targets

Why It Matters

Designers and engineers must consider the interconnectedness of ecological systems and climate change. Solutions that address both can lead to more robust and sustainable outcomes, impacting resource availability and environmental stability.

Key Finding

To limit global warming to 1.5°C, a comprehensive plan is needed that protects 30% of the planet's land and designates another 20% for climate stabilization, alongside transitioning to clean energy.

Key Findings

• Conserving 30% of Earth's terrestrial realm and designating an additional 20% as climate stabilization areas by 2030 is crucial for staying below a 1.5°C global temperature rise.
• Integrating biodiversity conservation with energy transition measures is essential for avoiding catastrophic climate change and securing ecosystem services.
• A significant portion of terrestrial ecoregions can meet the 30% protection target, thereby reducing extinction threats and carbon emissions.

Research Evidence

Aim: What are the key principles, milestones, and targets for a global plan that integrates biodiversity conservation with climate change mitigation?

Method: Literature Review and Synthesis

Procedure: The study synthesizes existing scientific findings and proposes a framework (Global Deal for Nature) that outlines specific protection targets for terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, alongside climate stabilization areas, to be achieved by 2030.

Context: Global environmental policy and conservation science

Design Principle

Holistic Design for Planetary Health: Design solutions must account for the interconnectedness of ecological systems and climate stability.

How to Apply

When designing products or systems that impact land use or resource consumption, evaluate their contribution to biodiversity loss and climate change, and seek to minimize negative impacts or actively contribute to conservation goals.

Limitations

The study focuses on broad targets and may not account for specific regional ecological nuances or the socio-economic feasibility of implementation in all areas.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: To stop climate change and protect nature, we need to set aside large areas of land and sea for protection and climate stability, while also switching to clean energy.

Why This Matters: Understanding global environmental goals helps you design solutions that are not only functional but also contribute positively to the planet's health and long-term sustainability.

Critical Thinking: How can design actively contribute to achieving the ambitious targets set by initiatives like the Global Deal for Nature, rather than simply minimizing harm?

IA-Ready Paragraph: This design project acknowledges the critical need for integrated environmental strategies, as highlighted by research advocating for a Global Deal for Nature. The proposed design aims to align with these principles by [mention specific design aspect], contributing to both biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation efforts.

Project Tips

• Consider the environmental impact of your design beyond its immediate function.
• Research existing conservation efforts and climate targets relevant to your project's context.

How to Use in IA

• Reference this research when discussing the broader environmental context and sustainability goals of your design project.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an understanding of how your design fits into larger environmental frameworks and global sustainability targets.

Independent Variable: Integration of biodiversity conservation targets and climate mitigation strategies

Dependent Variable: Likelihood of achieving global climate targets (e.g., staying below 1.5°C rise)

Controlled Variables: Energy transition measures, existing protected areas, carbon emission levels

Strengths

• Provides a clear, science-based framework for global environmental action.
• Highlights the synergistic benefits of combining climate and biodiversity goals.

Critical Questions

• What are the practical challenges in implementing such large-scale conservation and stabilization efforts?
• How can design innovation support the economic and social aspects of achieving these environmental targets?

Extended Essay Application

• Investigate the role of specific design disciplines (e.g., urban planning, product design, landscape architecture) in achieving the GDN targets.
• Analyze the effectiveness of different policy and design interventions in promoting biodiversity and climate resilience.

Source

A Global Deal For Nature: Guiding principles, milestones, and targets · Science Advances · 2019 · 10.1126/sciadv.aaw2869