Global study models path to returning environmental pressures to 2015 levels by 2050
A study published in Nature models how coordinated policies could return global environmental pressures to their 2015 levels by 2050. The analysis identifies action on emissions, diets, food waste, and water and nitrogen efficiency as central elements of the modeled pathway, according to the study summary from PBL.
A study published in the journal Nature examines whether global environmental pressures could return to levels recorded in 2015 by 2050. PBL described the research as a first-of-its-kind study and said it uses a global model to assess the effects of coordinated policy choices.
The modeled approach combines measures across several areas: emissions, diets, food waste, and the efficiency of water and nitrogen use. The source does not provide further details on the model’s methods, geographic scope, or the specific policies assessed.
According to PBL’s summary, the study finds that humanity could reach the 2015 level for global environmental pressures by 2050 if bold and coordinated policy choices are implemented. The source does not state whether the modeled outcome is a forecast, a commitment, or a prediction of what will occur.
The study was published on May 14, 2025, and its findings were presented by PBL in a news release. The supplied source does not identify implementation timelines for individual measures, responsible governments or institutions, or estimated costs.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What specific policy changes does the model assume in each of the four action areas?
Which regions or populations would bear the greatest costs under the modeled pathway?
How would progress toward the 2015 benchmark be measured across different environmental pressures?
What political or economic conditions could prevent the coordinated policies from being adopted?
Would returning to 2015 levels be sufficient to reduce existing environmental harms?
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026