The transitions required to an economy which sustainably uses scarce natural resources is dependent for success not alone on technological breakthroughs, changing consumer behaviour and market reforms, but also on the successful operation of some system of multilateral governance that will promote consultation and cooperation between nations. The questions arise as to who will lead these transitions and who will take the decisions? Despite long-standing acceptance of the need to conserve biodiversity and achieve sustainable development, both of these goals still remain as aspirations, representing failure both on the part of governments and of the market. While some individual governments are responding to the opportunities presented by investment in the “green economy”, national-level efforts will not be enough. International collective action will also be needed to tackle global-level challenges.
Various attempts have been made over the years within the context of the existing system of multilateral governance to set up consultation and cooperation fora in the areas of water, energy, food, minerals and other natural resources. However, these efforts have, for the most part, not been successful. It is only in the areas of food and climate change policies that there are global frameworks in place for consultation and cooperation. In particular, the FAO has sought to develop an integrated approach in the area of food scarcity by linking sustainable agricultural development to issues of water, food security, climate change, biodiversity and bioenergy.
Tuesday 15th April 2014
Register for lecture 5: Is Better Global Governance of the Food System the Answer?
