Business as usual is not an option. Exponential economic growth that relies on increasing consumption of natural resources is not sustainable and will not result in a healthy future for all.
An energy transition away from fossil fuels accompanied with increased material efficiency is essential. But, decoupling on its own – focussing purely on resource intensity – will only buy us time. The obsession with continued economic growth based on production and consumption also needs to be addressed.
The immediate priority has to be a green recovery that reduces emissions of greenhouse gases, invests in biodiversity, and decreases disparities. Even though these measures may not prove sufficient in the long-run, they will improve health, reduce health inequities, and set our economies onto a more sustainable path.