UPM-Biofore-Magazine-2-2019

BIOFORE IS UPM’S GLOBAL STAKEHOLDER MAGAZINE

Edi tor ial

Urbanisation calls for sustainable solutions

The global population is growing fast, and people’s lifestyles are changing. In the near future, the size of the consuming middle class is expected to increase by nearly 2 billion. In 2014, about half of the world’s population lived in cities, and by 2050, the proportion will grow to two thirds. People are attracted by urban lifestyles and job opportunities, but there are also other potential reasons for future waves of emigration. The World Bank estimates that up to 140 million people may have to relocate due to climate change by 2050. Time magazine reports that climate change-forced migration might affect as many as 25 million to one billion people by 2050. The world is witnessing the emergence of many megacities with more than 10 million residents. In 1990 there were ten, and by 2030 the number is predicted to exceed 40. According to a UN estimate, countries like China and India will form clusters of big cities in the near future. It is a huge challenge to provide suitable housing, efficient logistics, cleaner energy solutions, and other infrastructure in these fast-growing cities, not to mention jobs and basic services. At the same time, technology can prove invaluable: the internet of things, for instance, can enable new types of smart cities where recycling is organised much more efficiently. In any case, as the population grows, there will be a growing need for new consumer products and the rawmaterials needed to make them. Mitigating climate change is a common challenge facing all of humankind. The most effective way to start is by radically reducing the use of fossil rawmaterials. We at UPMpride ourselves on being part of the solution by offering numerous alternatives to fossil-based products and actively developing new bioeconomy innovations. At the same time, we ensure that forests continue to yield bio-based rawmaterials, while also serving as efficient carbon sinks into the future. That’s why we plant 50 million trees a year: one hundred every minute. The world needs sustainable ecosystems based on the use of renewable rawmaterials in a circular economy. No one can tackle the challenge of climate change alone, however. Many side-by-side solutions are needed, along with the commitment and cooperation of various partners. Let’s work together to build a future beyond fossils!

HANNA MAULA Vice President, Communications and Brand, UPM

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2/2019 |  03

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