Build productive synergies between communities and the environment.

As we continue to drive public innovation that disrupts trajectories of exclusion, it’s imperative that we invest in improving the synergy between human development and the environment. While we seek to advance innovation through technology and behaviour change, the innovation we pursue cannot be at the expense of nature, but in synergy with it. Climate change is arguably the most pressing issue facing humanity as urbanisation rapidly increases faster than our ability to prevent and adapt to changes in global weather patterns caused by human activity. These environmental challenges particularly impact vulnerable communities where environmental degradation and poverty reinforce each other, as people are both agents and carry the burden of environmental degradation.15 poor communities are most vulnerable to the impact of climate change than other population groups. The poorest members of our society often live on the most damaged land and in the most polluted neighbourhoods. Many people are without access to clean air, water and services. This is further exacerbated by the impact of climate change on rising food prices, crop failures and water shortages. We must support communities by tackling the systemic failures that make them vulnerable while equipping them to protect the environment. At the same time, we must enable communities to understand the opportunities and benefits of synergy with nature in terms of their livelihoods, health and sense of well-being.

five-year aims:

› Preserve and expand a language of ecology that draws on, and has relevance for, local communities.

› Establish an expanded network of local food production and markets.

› Set up waste management and recycling in specific communities.