Although it is practically impossible to account for all these changes, precautionary approaches can be taken. ESBs can be set more stringently or translated to contain buffers — allocating 80% of available resources, say — to leave room for emerging users and failures. Empirical evidence is needed to determine reasonable buffers.
Much work needs to be done to support monitoring and accountability. We recommend that initiatives, such as the International Sustainability Standards Board, engage with cross-disciplinary scientists to ensure that its proposed ‘global baseline of sustainability-related disclosure standards’ explicitly links cities and companies with ESBs. Independent auditing systems are also needed.
The Global Commons Alliance, which the Earth Commission is part of, is making progress. For example, theis developing methodologies for target-setting for companies and cities for climate and other pressures. The World Economic Forum is well positioned to champion and coordinate actions by cities and companies.
Good luck!! If it stops them from getting even more for themselves, it'll NEVER happen.