World Solve

Achieving nature-based solutions for coastal and riverine flood risk that support livelihoods and biodiversity at meaningful scale demands simultaneous progress in fundamental research, engineering integration and socio-technical systems that work for low- and middle-income settings. Existing efforts remain fragmented relative to the magnitude of the challenge.

Gig economy workers in Australia lose access to healthcare and retirement benefits between short-term engagements because current labor protections are tied to single-employer relationships.

Despite recognition of its importance, reliable methods for governance models for managing the risks and benefits of geoengineering research and potential deployment are still lacking. Progress is hindered by incomplete mechanistic knowledge, high capital and operational barriers, and the absence of deployment models suited to the contexts of greatest need.

Achieving pathways for achieving high rates of reuse and repair of consumer products at meaningful scale demands simultaneous progress in fundamental research, engineering integration and socio-technical systems that work for low- and middle-income settings. Existing efforts remain fragmented relative to the magnitude of the challenge.

Achieving mechanisms for aligning the incentives of financial institutions with climate and sustainability outcomes at meaningful scale demands simultaneous progress in fundamental research, engineering integration and socio-technical systems that work for low- and middle-income settings. Existing efforts remain fragmented relative to the magnitude of the challenge.

Farmers in Ukraine widely rely on diesel pumps for irrigation, and solar-powered alternatives remain financially out of reach without financing mechanisms tailored to seasonal farm income.

Achieving durable solutions for plastic and microplastic removal from ocean gyres at meaningful scale demands simultaneous progress in fundamental research, engineering integration and socio-technical systems that work for low- and middle-income settings. Existing efforts remain fragmented relative to the magnitude of the challenge.

Despite recognition of its importance, reliable methods for affordable methods for continuous monitoring of air and water quality in informal settlements are still lacking. Progress is hindered by incomplete mechanistic knowledge, high capital and operational barriers, and the absence of deployment models suited to the contexts of greatest need.

Achieving governance models for the responsible development of brain-computer interface technologies at meaningful scale demands simultaneous progress in fundamental research, engineering integration and socio-technical systems that work for low- and middle-income settings. Existing efforts remain fragmented relative to the magnitude of the challenge.

Achieving architectural and urban designs that maximize resilience to compound climate hazards at meaningful scale demands simultaneous progress in fundamental research, engineering integration and socio-technical systems that work for low- and middle-income settings. Existing efforts remain fragmented relative to the magnitude of the challenge.

Despite recognition of its importance, reliable methods for deliberation systems reducing affective polarization while preserving contestation are still lacking. Progress is hindered by incomplete mechanistic knowledge, high capital and operational barriers, and the absence of deployment models suited to the contexts of greatest need.

Achieving interventions that close the gender gap in STEM participation in low-income settings at meaningful scale demands simultaneous progress in fundamental research, engineering integration and socio-technical systems that work for low- and middle-income settings. Existing efforts remain fragmented relative to the magnitude of the challenge.

Farmers in remote regions of Vietnam lose significant crop value because seasonal roads become impassable during rains, cutting off access to markets during critical selling windows.

Local government budgets in Mexico are rarely published in a format accessible to ordinary citizens, limiting the ability of communities to hold officials accountable for spending decisions.

Sectors employing large portions of the workforce in Egypt face rising automation risk, and existing reskilling programs are not reaching workers before displacement occurs.

Achieving methods for assessing and mitigating the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage sites at meaningful scale demands simultaneous progress in fundamental research, engineering integration and socio-technical systems that work for low- and middle-income settings. Existing efforts remain fragmented relative to the magnitude of the challenge.

A persistent gap exists in realizing practical, scalable solutions for solutions for managing the social and economic transitions associated with the decline of fossil fuels. Scientific understanding, engineering readiness and institutional capacity remain insufficient to translate promising concepts into durable impact under real-world constraints of cost, skills and governance.

Achieving designs for digital systems that promote human agency flourishing and collective intelligence at meaningful scale demands simultaneous progress in fundamental research, engineering integration and socio-technical systems that work for low- and middle-income settings. Existing efforts remain fragmented relative to the magnitude of the challenge.

Current approaches to education and workforce systems preparing people for livelihoods in a net-zero economy either underperform under variable field conditions or generate externalities that undermine long-term sustainability and equity. Closing the gap requires coordinated advances in science, systems design and enabling institutions.

Achieving systems ensuring the integrity and accessibility of critical data and knowledge under multiple threats at meaningful scale demands simultaneous progress in fundamental research, engineering integration and socio-technical systems that work for low- and middle-income settings. Existing efforts remain fragmented relative to the magnitude of the challenge.