International trade is indispensable in enabling countries to meet demand for vital resources, which are not available, accessible or affordable domestically. However, it is precisely the accompanying impact trade has on boosting global consumption and production which raises environmental concerns. In a global situation of tight resource supplies, escalating demand, and increasing competition for access, it is important to understand the implications of rapidly rising trade flows for global resource and environmental efficiency.
The International Resource Panel's (IRP) new report "International Trade in Resources: A biophysical assessment" offers an authoritative, policy-relevant assessment that sheds light on the implications of global trade for environmental sustainability and resource scarcity.
On 8 December 2015 (9:30 AM CET), the Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP) held a webinar exploring ways to enhance knowledge on the multifaceted environmental consequences of world trade. The webinar was moderated by Paul Ekins (Director, Institute for Sustainable Resources, UCL), featured a presentation of the new IRP report by its lead author, Marina Fischer-Kowalski (Founder and long-term Director of the Institute of Social Ecology, Professor of Social Ecology at Alpen Adria University, Senior Lecturer at the University of Vienna). Dale Andrew (Independant Consultant and Former Head of Environment Division, Trade and Agriculture Directorate, OECD) and Michel Gressot (Senior Economist, Global Footprint Network) served as discussants. This was followed by a moderated discussion with the audience.
Speakers listes below are shown here form left to right.
Moderator: Paul Ekins, Director, Institute for Sustainable Resources, UCL and Professor, Resources and Environmental Policy, UCL
Presentation by: Marina Fischer-Kowalski, Founder and long-term Director of the Institute of Social Ecology, Professor of Social Ecology at Alpen Adria University, Senior Lecturer at the University of Vienna
Discussants: