Global land use plays a central role in determining our food, material and energy supply. Many countries have started to support the use of biomass for biofuels and biomaterials, and, at the same time, are becoming concerned about the increasing consequences of land competition, such as rising food prices, land use change, and land use intensification. Cropland expansion at the cost of tropical forests and savannahs induces severe changes in the living environment with uncertain repercussions. A central question is, thus, to what extent can global cropland expand to serve the growing demand for food and non-food biomass, while keeping the consequences of land use change, such as losses of biodiversity, at a tolerable level?
In 1997, the global value of ecosystem services was estimated to average US$33 trillion/yr in 1995 US$ (US$46 trillion/yr in 2007 US$). In this paper, we provide an updated estimate based on updated unit ecosystem service values and land use change estimates between 1997 and 2011. We also address some of the critiques of the 1997 paper. Using the same methods as in the 1997 paper but with updated data, the estimate for the total global ecosystem services in 2011 is US$125 trillion/yr (assuming updated unit values and changes to biome areas) and US$145 trillion/yr (assuming only unit values changed), both in 2007 US$. From this we estimated the loss of eco-services from 1997 to 2011 due to land use change at US$4.3–20.2 trillion/yr, depending on which unit values are used. Global estimates expressed in monetary accounting units, such as this, are useful to highlight the magnitude of eco-services, but have no specific decision-making context. However, the underlying data and models can be applied at multiple scales to assess changes resulting from various scenarios and policies.
The strengthening of the link between environment and economy is a key challenge faced by the Arab countries. By integrating the environment into the economic policy and working towards green growth at a national and regional level, Arab countries will be able to progress in economic growth, jobs creation, social equity and sustainability of natural resources. This paper endeavors to deepen this argumentation, and highlights both the benefits that could be reaped by Arab countries and the priorities in the implementation of a green growth strategy.
The concept of the Sustainable Future was generated in global dialogues; more recently, it has started to transfer to policy making. The paper seeks to discuss how foresight is used to understand the implications of global changes, focusing on the role of green economy strategies in fostering societal, economic progress and environmental conservation. In particular, the use of green economy indicators is reviewed, focusing on the measuring frameworks proposed by different organizations. Finally, an integrated approach is proposed to carry out a systemic and cross-sectoral assessment of key policy instruments aimed at facilitating the transition to a more sustainable future.
This report maps existing and emerging carbon pricing initiatives around the world. It does not provide a quantitative, transaction-based analysis of the international carbon market since current market conditions invalidate any attempt to undertake such an analysis. The development of national and subnational carbon pricing initiatives in an increasing number of countries calls for a different focus. The uncertainty surrounding the existing carbon markets in the last years has prevented valuable resources to be channeled to low-carbon investments, particularly from the private sector. Following the economic downturn and slow economic recovery in major economies, industrial output plummeted and the demand for carbon assets used for compliance fell. With limited support, prices reached historical lows. At the same time, several national and sub-national carbon pricing initiatives are emerging. It is not surprising that several of these new carbon pricing initiatives also include design features to prevent similar developments in the future, including mechanisms to stabilize the carbon price.
The Fifth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the most up-to-date, comprehensive and relevant analysis of our changing climate. Urban centres account for more than half of the world's population, most of its economic activity and the majority of energy-related emissions. This briefing explores the roles cities will play in the fight against climate change.
Public policy sets the rules of the game. Public policy critically affects the ability of long-term investors to generate sustainable returns and create value. Public policy also affects the sustainability and stability of financial markets, as well as social, environmental and economic systems.
Policy engagement by long-term investors is, therefore, a natural and necessary extension of an investor’s responsibilities and fiduciary duties to the interests of beneficiaries.
The importance of public policy for long-term investors has grown in recent years, due to factors such as legislative reform of the financial sector in the wake of the global financial crisis, governmental need for investors as a source of long-term finance, and the increasing impact of environmental, social and governance factors on the ability of investors to deliver long-term returns.
This report was produced by the Working Group on biofuels of the International Panel for Sustainable Resource Managemet. It provides an overview of the key problems and perspectives toward sustainable production and use of biofuels. It is based on an extensive literature study, taking into account recent major reviews. The focus is on so-called first generation biofuels while considering further lines of development.
This report was launched during China’s Twelfth Five-year Period (2011-2015). After revising the measurement system of the Green Development Index 2011, the report measures the green development level of 30 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions as well as 38 large and medium-sized cities in China. A Public Satisfaction Survey of the Urban Residents is first introduced into the report. Both the province and the city Green Development Index systems consist of three parts, the green degree of economic growth, the carrying potential of natural resources and environment, and the support degree of government policies. The three parts reflect the production and resource usage efficiency, the situation of environment and resources protection and pollutants emission, and government’s related investment and management respectively. The China Green Development Index Report 2012 has the comprehensive evaluation of the green economy development in China and its importance to China’s rational development and switch in economic development model.
The green growth paradigm emerged from evolving global strategies that coherently promote a more socially inclusive, low-carbon, resource-efficient, stable economy, with decreasing poverty. Opportunities and challenges associated with the paradigm shift are expected to transform the travel and tourism (travelism) sector in all respects and on a global scale. This involves the transformation of the entire travelism value chain, as well as the communities in tourism destinations. However, there is a lack of systematic reports on wide-ranging and complex implications of the green growth paradigm for the travelism sector.