Proposed solutions to anthropogenic climate change: A systematic literature review and a new way forward
Issued Date
2023-10-01
Resource Type
ISSN
24058440
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85173864741
Journal Title
Heliyon
Volume
9
Issue
10
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Heliyon Vol.9 No.10 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Feigin S.V., Wiebers D.O., Lueddeke G., Morand S., Lee K., Knight A., Brainin M., Feigin V.L., Whitfort A., Marcum J., Shackelford T.K., Skerratt L.F., Winkler A.S. Proposed solutions to anthropogenic climate change: A systematic literature review and a new way forward. Heliyon Vol.9 No.10 (2023). doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20544 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/90728
Title
Proposed solutions to anthropogenic climate change: A systematic literature review and a new way forward
Author's Affiliation
Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University
Faculty of Science
TUM Fakultät für Medizin
Griffith University
Auckland University of Technology
Kasetsart University
University of Pretoria
Simon Fraser University
Oakland University
Baylor University
The University of Hong Kong
Mayo Clinic
Donau-Universität Krems
Medisinske Fakultet
University of Winchester
Global Health Governance
All Life Institute
Ministry of Environment
Faculty of Science
TUM Fakultät für Medizin
Griffith University
Auckland University of Technology
Kasetsart University
University of Pretoria
Simon Fraser University
Oakland University
Baylor University
The University of Hong Kong
Mayo Clinic
Donau-Universität Krems
Medisinske Fakultet
University of Winchester
Global Health Governance
All Life Institute
Ministry of Environment
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Humanity is now facing what may be the biggest challenge to its existence: irreversible climate change brought about by human activity. Our planet is in a state of emergency, and we only have a short window of time (7–8 years) to enact meaningful change. The goal of this systematic literature review is to summarize the peer-reviewed literature on proposed solutions to climate change in the last 20 years (2002–2022), and to propose a framework for a unified approach to solving this climate change crisis. Solutions reviewed include a transition toward use of renewable energy resources, reduced energy consumption, rethinking the global transport sector, and nature-based solutions. This review highlights one of the most important but overlooked pieces in the puzzle of solving the climate change problem – the gradual shift to a plant-based diet and global phaseout of factory (industrialized animal) farming, the most damaging and prolific form of animal agriculture. The gradual global phaseout of industrialized animal farming can be achieved by increasingly replacing animal meat and other animal products with plant-based products, ending government subsidies for animal-based meat, dairy, and eggs, and initiating taxes on such products. Failure to act will ultimately result in a scenario of irreversible climate change with widespread famine and disease, global devastation, climate refugees, and warfare. We therefore suggest an “All Life” approach, invoking the interconnectedness of all life forms on our planet. The logistics for achieving this include a global standardization of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) or similar measures and the introduction of a regulatory body for verification of such measures. These approaches will help deliver environmental and sustainability benefits for our planet far beyond an immediate reduction in global warming.