What are the challenges of achieving intergenerational equity?

The challenges of achieving intergenerational equity include:

1. Time inconsistency: Decision-makers may prioritize short-term gains over long-term benefits, leading to unsustainable practices that harm future generations.

2. Discounting future costs and benefits: People tend to value immediate benefits more than future ones, which can lead to underinvestment in sustainable practices and disregard for the long-term consequences of environmental degradation.

3. Lack of awareness and understanding: Many individuals and policymakers may not fully comprehend the long-term impacts of their actions on future generations, making it difficult to prioritize intergenerational equity.

4. Political and economic pressures: Short-term political cycles and economic interests often prioritize immediate gains, making it challenging to implement policies that prioritize the well-being of future generations.

5. Intergenerational conflicts: Different generations may have conflicting interests and priorities, making it difficult to reach consensus on policies that promote intergenerational equity.

6. Limited legal frameworks: There may be a lack of legal mechanisms and institutions to enforce intergenerational equity, making it challenging to hold current decision-makers accountable for their actions' long-term consequences.

7. Uncertainty and complexity: Predicting the exact impacts of current actions on future generations is challenging due to uncertainties and complex interactions within the environment and society, making it difficult to design effective policies for intergenerational equity.