Eco NW - Applications
Where and how to use the Eco-region NW
One planet economy
The overall results of the Eco-Region NW and similar research shows that the UK is exploiting the earth's available resources (i.e. bio-capacity) at about over 3 times its 'fair' share, as measured by the footprint. Assuming that the gap between rich and poor could and should narrow in the next 4 decades, the UK needs to re-think its approach to resource use, and the economic development which drives it. This is summed up by the concept of the One Planet Economy -
"An economic system of production and consumption which respects environmental limits, local and global, while being financially and socially sustainable."
It is clear that to move towards a One Planet Economy we need something like a 75% reduction in resource flow and eco-footprint - a 'Factor 4' reduction.
This is an essential but hugely challenging target, even if set at the distant horizon of 2050. Achieving a Factor 4 reduction means a year-on-year increase in resource efficiency of 3%, and a reduction of -3% per year reduction in resource use and in ecological footprint. Set against a economic growth rate averaging 2.25% per year, this implies a 'decoupling' rate of over 5%, i.e. where the economy grows and footprint reduces.between economic and material growth of at least -5%.
The Eco-Region NW evidence base provides a wide range of data on consumption and production. The question is then, how to apply this to choices in policy or business? Should we track carbon like we track inflation? Can the tax and spend approach meet the targets? Do we need new kinds of partnerships or social enterprise, and what about international trade? There are more questions than answers at this point.
The One Planet Economy Network (OPEN) aims to take this forward to a 5 year programme of research, development and capacity building. In short the OPEN is working on -
"A strategy for building the evidence base, applications and capacity to promote a One Planet Economy in sustainable consumption and production".
This operates at the national and EU level, but for the reality check, it needs to be tested at the local and regional level.
