What describes the SSP3 scenario?

The SSP3 scenario, or Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 3, portrays a future characterized by increasing economic inequality and a reliance on fossil fuels. In this scenario, various factors contribute to a fragmented world where some regions advance technologically while others lag behind. The focus in SSP3 is predominantly on resource constraints and societal issues, leading to geopolitical tensions and limited cooperation across nations.

Under this scenario, the lack of coordinated global efforts toward sustainability results in persistent high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. This means that rather than pursuing cleaner energy sources or innovations to combat climate change, the world becomes more entangled in traditional energy sources. The emphasis on fossil fuels leads to exacerbated climate challenges, making it a poignant example of how socio-economic disparities can hinder collective progress on sustainability goals.

This understanding contrasts sharply with the other options, which present scenarios focused on technological advancements toward sustainability, practices aimed at low emissions, or a future where emissions turn negative. These do not align with the characteristics defining the SSP3 narrative. Thus, the description of SSP3 highlights a more pessimistic outlook, where the challenges of inequality and dependence on fossil fuels are central themes.