The outdated systems underlying our cities, food, energy and consumption-production processes are driving our planet to the brink and threatening to undermine the very foundation of our economies and well-being. How can the scientific understanding of the planetary boundaries help us understand how humanity can continue to develop and thrive over generations to come and how can leaders from politics, business, science and other walks of life be mobilised to rethink these systems and make transformative changes toward sustainability?

When it comes to climate change, timing is everything. Current science now points incontrovertibly to the fact that we need to reach the global climate turning point by 2020 to begin the descent towards net zero emissions in the second half of the century. How can businesses be engaged on the ‘need for speed’ and embrace the business case and competitive advantage of being net zero champions?

Public engagement and consumer activation are extremely powerful levers in driving systems level change. And changing perceptions towards waste is a crucial enabler of a zero waste and circular economy mindset. How can creativity and design thinking allow us to turn something that was once worthless into something beautiful and desirable?

Our desire for new clothes and the efficiency of production systems have led to the rapid expansion of fast fashion. The average person today buys 60% more clothing items compared to in 2000 and many of these items are disposed as soon as they ‘fall out of fashion’. While influencing consumption patterns is a critical component in making the system more sustainable, businesses have a unique opportunity to re-design materials, production systems and business models towards more circularity. How can applied systems thinking and powerful partnerships along the value chain deliver measurable impact and new value?

Energy demand in Southeast Asia is expected to grow by two-thirds between 2016 and 2040. Under current policy and technology scenarios, CO2 emissions are expected to increase in lockstep with this growth in energy demand. Being the region most at risk of the impacts of climate change, it is imperative that ASEAN intensifies efforts to lower the carbon intensity of its energy systems. How can ASEAN draw inspiration from its international neighbours as it charts its own path towards clean energy, and how can it accelerate the adoption of proven policy and technology options?

While advances in renewable energy generation have provided viable options to produce clean energy, more technology pathways need to be unlocked to fully decarbonise the way we produce and consume energy. What role can emerging technologies such as fusion generation, smart grids and hydrogen energy play in bringing the emissions of our energy systems to net zero, complementing more traditional approaches to renewable energy? What are the challenges and opportunities in bringing these innovations to market?

According to World Bank estimates, by 2030, water supply will fall short of forecasted demand by 40% globally. Today, billions of people already lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Much can be done to improve the water efficiencies and water management practices in developed economies. In addition, water continues to be undervalued and underfunded. Considering that the stress on our water systems will increase with continuous population and economic growth, how can we think and act differently to accelerate change? How can innovations in technology, financing and public engagement be harnessed in a bid to bridge the water supply gap?

How do you help bring about a tipping point on huge issues like climate change, rampant deforestation, or the tragedy of one-third of food produced globally being wasted while 800 million people go hungry? What role can science and data play in focusing the debate, creating alignment and ensuring policy makers, businesses and individuals understand their role in moving from ambition to action?