WWF: One Planet Approaches
Methodology mapping and pathways forward
In line with WWF’s “One Planet Thinking” program, Metabolic evaluated models and methodologies for identifying key tipping points and translating global or regional boundaries down to company or sector levels. The work forms the basis for WWF’s continued work on the One Planet Thinking program and efforts at systemic target-setting by companies.
- Client: WWF
- Date: March 2017
While more companies are instituting science-based targets for emissions that contribute to climate change, other important environmental boundaries receive less focus. WWF’s “One Planet Thinking” approach aims to work with companies for the adoption of comprehensive and rigorous sustainability goals.
In this work, Metabolic evaluated models and methodologies for identifying key tipping points, translating global or regional boundaries down to company or sector levels, and examined feasibility issues around implementing these methods to define targets. Metabolic mapped and reviewed over 60 different such approaches, analyzing their relative strengths and weaknesses, and interviewed and consulted with a number of international expert practitioners from universities and scientific organizations, including the WWF, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Oxford University, UNEP, Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research, and the Global Footprint Network.
Metabolic and WWF defined an eight-step process for companies and regions to follow to effectively define, in a real world setting, sustainability targets that are safe and fair for the planet and society. This work has formed the basis for WWF’s continued work on the One Planet Thinking program and efforts at systemic target-setting by companies, and served as the foundation for setting science-based targets for businesses to stay within nine planetary boundaries – not only carbon emissions.
“This report provides us with an important baseline, to implement our vision on the one planetary system and work with companies, governments and science, using the resilience of the planet as a reference point.”
Director
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