Global megatrends and their impact on the environment in Flanders

IDEA Consult supported the Flemish Environment Company (VMM) in its efforts to determine what the potential future environmental impact would be of six megatrends in Flanders for the 2030-2050 time horizon.

IDEA Consult assisted the VMM with the initial horizon scanning process. On the basis of expert panels, IDEA Consult supported the VMM in 2013 in its efforts to determine the potential impact of six megatrends on the environment in Flanders for the 2030-2050 time horizon. These six megatrends are:

1. Changing demographic equilibria
2. Accelerated technological development
3. Increasing shortages of raw materials and resources
4. Increasing multipolarity in society
5. Climate change
6. Increasing vulnerability of systems

In a final report, a systematic analysis of each of these megatrends was made and the policy-relevant insights were distilled with a view to the future. Connections between the different trends were also analysed, as were the interactions with energy, manufacturing, consumption and use of space. The report concludes with a prioritising of the megatrends based on their impact on the environment in Flanders and offers suggestions for the role of the government.

The final report can be downloaded here. The VMM report titled "Megatrends: far-reaching, yet intangible as well? How are they impacting the environment in Flanders?" and a video summary can be found here.