Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth

Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth

Author: United Nations Environment Programme. International Resource Panel

Publisher: UNEP/Earthprint

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 60

ISBN-13: 9789280731675

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By 2050, humanity could devour an estimated 140 billion tons of minerals, ores, fossil fuels and biomass per year three times its current appetite unless the economic growth rate is decoupled from the rate of natural resource consumption. Developed countries citizens consume an average of 16 tons of those four key resources per capita (ranging up to 40 or more tons per person in some developed countries). By comparison, the average person in India today consumes four tons per year. With the growth of both population and prosperity, especially in developing countries, the prospect of much higher resource consumption levels is far beyond what is likely sustainable if realised at all given finite world resources, warns this report by UNEP's International Resource Panel. Already the world is running out of cheap and high quality sources of some essential materials such as oil, copper and gold, the supplies of which, in turn, require ever-rising volumes of fossil fuels and freshwater to produce. Improving the rate of resource productivity (doing more with less) faster than the economic growth rate is the notion behind decoupling, the panel says. That goal, however, demands an urgent rethink of the links between resource use and economic prosperity, buttressed by a massive investment in technological, financial and social innovation, to at least freeze per capita consumption in wealthy countries and help developing nations follow a more sustainable path.


Book Synopsis Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth by : United Nations Environment Programme. International Resource Panel

Download or read book Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth written by United Nations Environment Programme. International Resource Panel and published by UNEP/Earthprint. This book was released on 2011 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: By 2050, humanity could devour an estimated 140 billion tons of minerals, ores, fossil fuels and biomass per year three times its current appetite unless the economic growth rate is decoupled from the rate of natural resource consumption. Developed countries citizens consume an average of 16 tons of those four key resources per capita (ranging up to 40 or more tons per person in some developed countries). By comparison, the average person in India today consumes four tons per year. With the growth of both population and prosperity, especially in developing countries, the prospect of much higher resource consumption levels is far beyond what is likely sustainable if realised at all given finite world resources, warns this report by UNEP's International Resource Panel. Already the world is running out of cheap and high quality sources of some essential materials such as oil, copper and gold, the supplies of which, in turn, require ever-rising volumes of fossil fuels and freshwater to produce. Improving the rate of resource productivity (doing more with less) faster than the economic growth rate is the notion behind decoupling, the panel says. That goal, however, demands an urgent rethink of the links between resource use and economic prosperity, buttressed by a massive investment in technological, financial and social innovation, to at least freeze per capita consumption in wealthy countries and help developing nations follow a more sustainable path.

Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth

Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth by :

Download or read book Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth written by and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

OECD Green Growth Studies Material Resources, Productivity and the Environment

OECD Green Growth Studies Material Resources, Productivity and the Environment

Author: OECD

Publisher: OECD Publishing

Published: 2015-02-12

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 9264190503

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This book provides a factual analysis of material flows and resource productivity in OECD countries in a global context.


Book Synopsis OECD Green Growth Studies Material Resources, Productivity and the Environment by : OECD

Download or read book OECD Green Growth Studies Material Resources, Productivity and the Environment written by OECD and published by OECD Publishing. This book was released on 2015-02-12 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a factual analysis of material flows and resource productivity in OECD countries in a global context.

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Author: Jonathan M. Harris

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2021-11-28

Total Pages: 717

ISBN-13: 1000449823

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Environmental issues are of fundamental importance, and a broad approach to understanding the relationship between the human economy and the natural world is essential. In a rapidly changing policy and scientific context, this new edition of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics reflects an updated perspective on modern environmental topics. Now in its fifth edition, this textbook includes enhanced and updated material on energy, climate change, greening the economy, population, agriculture, forests and water—reflecting the greater urgency required to solve the big environmental problems in these areas. It introduces students to both standard environmental economics and the broader perspective of ecological economics, balancing analytical techniques of environmental economics topics with a global perspective on current ecological issues such as population growth, global climate change and "green" national income accounting. Harris and Roach’s premise is that a pluralistic approach is essential to understand the complex nexus between the economy and the environment. This perspective, combined with its emphasis on real-world policies, is particularly appealing to both instructors and students. This is the ideal text for undergraduate classes on environmental, natural resource and ecological economics, and postgraduate courses on environmental and economic policy. To access Student and Instructor resources, please visit: sites.tufts.edu/gdae/environmental-and-natural-resource-economics/.


Book Synopsis Environmental and Natural Resource Economics by : Jonathan M. Harris

Download or read book Environmental and Natural Resource Economics written by Jonathan M. Harris and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2021-11-28 with total page 717 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Environmental issues are of fundamental importance, and a broad approach to understanding the relationship between the human economy and the natural world is essential. In a rapidly changing policy and scientific context, this new edition of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics reflects an updated perspective on modern environmental topics. Now in its fifth edition, this textbook includes enhanced and updated material on energy, climate change, greening the economy, population, agriculture, forests and water—reflecting the greater urgency required to solve the big environmental problems in these areas. It introduces students to both standard environmental economics and the broader perspective of ecological economics, balancing analytical techniques of environmental economics topics with a global perspective on current ecological issues such as population growth, global climate change and "green" national income accounting. Harris and Roach’s premise is that a pluralistic approach is essential to understand the complex nexus between the economy and the environment. This perspective, combined with its emphasis on real-world policies, is particularly appealing to both instructors and students. This is the ideal text for undergraduate classes on environmental, natural resource and ecological economics, and postgraduate courses on environmental and economic policy. To access Student and Instructor resources, please visit: sites.tufts.edu/gdae/environmental-and-natural-resource-economics/.

The Global Environment, Natural Resources, and Economic Growth

The Global Environment, Natural Resources, and Economic Growth

Author: Alfred Greiner

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2008-07-25

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 0190450045

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Recently, the public attention has turned toward the intricate interrelation between economic growth and global warming. This book focuses on this nexus but broadens the framework to study the issue. Growth is seen as global growth, which affects the global environment and climate change. Global growth, in particular high economic growth rates, imply a fast depletion of renewable and non-renewable resources. Thus this book deals with the impact of the environment and the effect of the exhaustive use of natural resources on economic growth and welfare of market economies as well as the reverse linkage. It is arranged in three parts: Part I of the book discusses the environment and growth. There, Greiner and Semmler incorporate the role of environmental pollution into modern endogenous growth models and use recently developed dynamic methods and techniques to derive appropriate abatement activities that policymakers can institute. Part II looks at global climate change using these same growth models. Here, too, the authors provide direct and transparent policy implications. More specifically, the authors favour tax measures, such as a carbon tax, over emission trading as instruments of mitigation policies. Part III evaluates the use and overuse of renewable and non-renewable resources in the context of a variety of dynamic models. They, in particular, consider the cases when resources interact as an ecological system and analyze issues of ownership of resources as well as policy measures to avoid the overuse of resources. In addition, not only intertemporal resource allocation but also the eminent issues relating to intertemporal inequities, as well as policy measures to overcome them, are discussed in each part of the book.


Book Synopsis The Global Environment, Natural Resources, and Economic Growth by : Alfred Greiner

Download or read book The Global Environment, Natural Resources, and Economic Growth written by Alfred Greiner and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2008-07-25 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recently, the public attention has turned toward the intricate interrelation between economic growth and global warming. This book focuses on this nexus but broadens the framework to study the issue. Growth is seen as global growth, which affects the global environment and climate change. Global growth, in particular high economic growth rates, imply a fast depletion of renewable and non-renewable resources. Thus this book deals with the impact of the environment and the effect of the exhaustive use of natural resources on economic growth and welfare of market economies as well as the reverse linkage. It is arranged in three parts: Part I of the book discusses the environment and growth. There, Greiner and Semmler incorporate the role of environmental pollution into modern endogenous growth models and use recently developed dynamic methods and techniques to derive appropriate abatement activities that policymakers can institute. Part II looks at global climate change using these same growth models. Here, too, the authors provide direct and transparent policy implications. More specifically, the authors favour tax measures, such as a carbon tax, over emission trading as instruments of mitigation policies. Part III evaluates the use and overuse of renewable and non-renewable resources in the context of a variety of dynamic models. They, in particular, consider the cases when resources interact as an ecological system and analyze issues of ownership of resources as well as policy measures to avoid the overuse of resources. In addition, not only intertemporal resource allocation but also the eminent issues relating to intertemporal inequities, as well as policy measures to overcome them, are discussed in each part of the book.

Scarcity and Growth Revisited

Scarcity and Growth Revisited

Author: R. David Simpson

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2012-05-23

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 1136524738

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In this volume, a group of distinguished international scholars provides a fresh investigation of the most fundamental issues involved in our dependence on natural resources. In Scarcity and Growth (RFF, 1963) and Scarcity and Growth Reconsidered (RFF, 1979), researchers considered the long-term implications of resource scarcity for economic growth and human well-being. Scarcity and Growth Revisited examines these implications with 25 years of new learning and experience. It finds that concerns about resource scarcity have changed in essential ways. In contrast with the earlier preoccupation with the adequacy of fuel, mineral, and agricultural resources and the efficiency by which they are allocated, the greatest concern today is about the Earth‘s limited capacity to handle the environmental consequences of resource extraction and use. Opinion among scholars is divided on the ability of technological innovation to ameliorate this 'new scarcity.' However, even the book‘s more optimistic authors agree that the problems will not be successfully overcome without significant advances in the legal, financial, and other social institutions that protect the environment and support technical innovation. Scarcity and Growth Revisited incorporates expert perspectives from the physical and life sciences, as well as economics. It includes issues confronting the developing world as well as industrialized societies. The book begins with a review of the debate about scarcity and economic growth and a review of current assessments of natural resource availability and consumption. The twelve chapters that follow provide an accessible, lively, and authoritative update to an enduring-but changing-debate.


Book Synopsis Scarcity and Growth Revisited by : R. David Simpson

Download or read book Scarcity and Growth Revisited written by R. David Simpson and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2012-05-23 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this volume, a group of distinguished international scholars provides a fresh investigation of the most fundamental issues involved in our dependence on natural resources. In Scarcity and Growth (RFF, 1963) and Scarcity and Growth Reconsidered (RFF, 1979), researchers considered the long-term implications of resource scarcity for economic growth and human well-being. Scarcity and Growth Revisited examines these implications with 25 years of new learning and experience. It finds that concerns about resource scarcity have changed in essential ways. In contrast with the earlier preoccupation with the adequacy of fuel, mineral, and agricultural resources and the efficiency by which they are allocated, the greatest concern today is about the Earth‘s limited capacity to handle the environmental consequences of resource extraction and use. Opinion among scholars is divided on the ability of technological innovation to ameliorate this 'new scarcity.' However, even the book‘s more optimistic authors agree that the problems will not be successfully overcome without significant advances in the legal, financial, and other social institutions that protect the environment and support technical innovation. Scarcity and Growth Revisited incorporates expert perspectives from the physical and life sciences, as well as economics. It includes issues confronting the developing world as well as industrialized societies. The book begins with a review of the debate about scarcity and economic growth and a review of current assessments of natural resource availability and consumption. The twelve chapters that follow provide an accessible, lively, and authoritative update to an enduring-but changing-debate.

The Economics of Natural Resource Use

The Economics of Natural Resource Use

Author: John M. Hartwick

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Published: 1986

Total Pages: 552

ISBN-13:

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This text is an examination of the economics of using natural resources in the modern economy. Presenting economic concepts essential to examining how resources can be sustained, extracted and harvested extensive use is made of diagrams and accompanying algebraic models.


Book Synopsis The Economics of Natural Resource Use by : John M. Hartwick

Download or read book The Economics of Natural Resource Use written by John M. Hartwick and published by HarperCollins Publishers. This book was released on 1986 with total page 552 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This text is an examination of the economics of using natural resources in the modern economy. Presenting economic concepts essential to examining how resources can be sustained, extracted and harvested extensive use is made of diagrams and accompanying algebraic models.

Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water Use and Water Pollution

Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water Use and Water Pollution

Author: United Nations Environment Programme. International Resource Panel. Working Group on Sustainable Water Management

Publisher: UN

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 78

ISBN-13:

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This report provides option for a viable and sustainable alternative; one that swaps economic growth fueled by escalating water use and environmental degradation for a more durable model of social, economic and environmental resilience.


Book Synopsis Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water Use and Water Pollution by : United Nations Environment Programme. International Resource Panel. Working Group on Sustainable Water Management

Download or read book Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water Use and Water Pollution written by United Nations Environment Programme. International Resource Panel. Working Group on Sustainable Water Management and published by UN. This book was released on 2017 with total page 78 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report provides option for a viable and sustainable alternative; one that swaps economic growth fueled by escalating water use and environmental degradation for a more durable model of social, economic and environmental resilience.

Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water use and Water Pollution

Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water use and Water Pollution

Author: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Publisher: United Nations

Published: 2016-07-07

Total Pages: 74

ISBN-13: 9210600959

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As the World population approaches nine billion, nearly half of all people could suffer water stress by 2030 as a result of accelerating urbanization, new consumption habits and climate change. This report provides option for a viable and sustainable alternative; one that swaps economic growth fuelled by escalating water use and environmental degradation for a more durable model of social, economic and environmental resilience. If the world continues on its current course, by 2030, annual demand for water in North America and Sub-Saharan Africa could increase by 42 and 283 per cent respectively, compared to 2005 levels. That is why the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development seeks to decouple economic growth from water consumption and pollution by integrating water related issues across each of the 17 goals and making a specific commitment that “ensures availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”


Book Synopsis Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water use and Water Pollution by : United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Download or read book Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water use and Water Pollution written by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and published by United Nations. This book was released on 2016-07-07 with total page 74 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As the World population approaches nine billion, nearly half of all people could suffer water stress by 2030 as a result of accelerating urbanization, new consumption habits and climate change. This report provides option for a viable and sustainable alternative; one that swaps economic growth fuelled by escalating water use and environmental degradation for a more durable model of social, economic and environmental resilience. If the world continues on its current course, by 2030, annual demand for water in North America and Sub-Saharan Africa could increase by 42 and 283 per cent respectively, compared to 2005 levels. That is why the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development seeks to decouple economic growth from water consumption and pollution by integrating water related issues across each of the 17 goals and making a specific commitment that “ensures availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”

Decoupling 2

Decoupling 2

Author: Ernst Ulrich Weizsäcker

Publisher: UN

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 44

ISBN-13:

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This report explores technological possibilities and opportunities for developing and developed countries to accelerate decoupling and reap environmental and economic benefits of increased resource productivity. It examines policy options successful in helping different countries improve resource productivity in various sectors of their economy, avoiding negative impacts on the environment. It does not seem possible for a global economy based on the current unsustainable patterns of resource use to continue into the future. Economic consequences of these patterns are already apparent in increases in resource prices, increased price volatility and disruption of environmental systems. The environment impacts are also leading to potentially irreversible changes to the world's ecosystems, often with direct effects on people and the economy - for example: damage to health, water shortages, loss of fish stocks or increased storm damage. This report shows that much of the policy design 'know-how' needed to achieve decoupling is present in terms of legislation, incentive systems, and institutional reform. Many countries have tried these out with tangible results, encouraging others to study and where appropriate replicate and scale up such practices and successes


Book Synopsis Decoupling 2 by : Ernst Ulrich Weizsäcker

Download or read book Decoupling 2 written by Ernst Ulrich Weizsäcker and published by UN. This book was released on 2014 with total page 44 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report explores technological possibilities and opportunities for developing and developed countries to accelerate decoupling and reap environmental and economic benefits of increased resource productivity. It examines policy options successful in helping different countries improve resource productivity in various sectors of their economy, avoiding negative impacts on the environment. It does not seem possible for a global economy based on the current unsustainable patterns of resource use to continue into the future. Economic consequences of these patterns are already apparent in increases in resource prices, increased price volatility and disruption of environmental systems. The environment impacts are also leading to potentially irreversible changes to the world's ecosystems, often with direct effects on people and the economy - for example: damage to health, water shortages, loss of fish stocks or increased storm damage. This report shows that much of the policy design 'know-how' needed to achieve decoupling is present in terms of legislation, incentive systems, and institutional reform. Many countries have tried these out with tangible results, encouraging others to study and where appropriate replicate and scale up such practices and successes