×

Our award-winning reporting has moved

Context provides news and analysis on three of the world’s most critical issues:

climate change, the impact of technology on society, and inclusive economies.

Sustainable Development: The Global Challenge of Resource-Efficient Growth

by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India | The Energy and Resources Institute
Wednesday, 7 November 2012 12:04 GMT

* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.

This is the first article in a series dedicated to the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit. The ‘DSDS Series’ will feature eminent experts writing on issues revolving around The Global Challenge of Resource-Efficient Growth and Development – the theme of the upcoming Summit. Watch this space for more. By Vaaruni Eashwar, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India Though development opportunities across the globe are on the rise, available resources are rapidly shrinking at the same time, necessitating greater resource efficiency. Owing to this, developed as well as developing nations are currently facing the daunting challenge of boosting growth while dealing with rapidly-depleting resources. As renowned environmentalist and Director General of India’s The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Dr. R. K. Pachauri, observes “Global resources of various kinds are becoming scarce, even as the demand for them increases rapidly as a result of population growth and significant increases in income.” In this scenario, many feel that resource efficiency and carbon-neutral modes of production and consumption will be essential for achieving sustainable development patterns. Such views were also reflected at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development that was held in June this year. The Conference centred on two primary themes--green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and the institutional framework for sustainable development. The focus was on creating green avenues towards development, particularly for developing countries. The Conference delivered an Outcome Document titled The Future We Want, which expresses a global commitment towards a sustainable future with resolutions that strive towards a green economy. The Document also stresses on participation and initiative not only from governments, but also from individuals. The 13th edition of TERI’s annual Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) revolves around the theme, The Global Challenge of Resource-Efficient Growth and Development, arguably one of the most crucial issues facing world economies at present.  The Summit—which will be held from January 31 to February 2, 2013 in Indian capital New Delhi--seeks to facilitate discussions to strengthen and further the resolutions adopted in The Future We Want. The DSDS 2013 will explore various ways for individuals and countries to collaborate on countering the challenges of resource-efficient growth and towards shaping a better future. The Summit will comprise plenary sessions on a range of issues, including: Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change; Mitigating Emissions of Greenhouse Gases and Associated Co-benefits; Employment and Growth Potential of a Green Economy; Choices before the BRICS and a New Economic Construct; Sustainable Development and the New Knowledge Economy; and Defining the Future We Want. Playing host to a galaxy of illustrious speakers, the DSDS 2013 will bring together the Presidents of three International Development Banks--Mr Haruhiko Kuroda, President of the Asian Development Bank; Mr Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the Inter-American Development Bank; and Mr Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank. In addition, H.E. Mr Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President of the sixty-sixth session of the UN General Assembly, has consented to grace the Summit with his presence, as have Mr Brice Lalonde, Executive Coordinator of Rio+20; Mr Bruno Lafont, Chairman and CEO, Lafarge Group, France; and Nobel Laureate Carlo Rubbia, Scientific Director, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Germany. These speakers are among the first of the many distinguished luminaries that have confirmed and many more such eminent personalities are to be expected at DSDS 2013. Another important event to be held on the sidelines of the Summit, the 10th World CEO Sustainability Summit (WCSS) will gather business leaders on January 30, 2013 for a Corporate Dialogue on Resource Revolution – A Global Imperative and How Business Can Shape It. Through the WCSS discussions, the scope and complexity of the changes on the horizon will be highlighted, including risks posed by dwindling resource availability, and how the public and private sectors can respond to the prevailing challenges. To date, the event has attracted over 1,200 Indian and international CEOs, senior government representatives and thought leaders. Since its inception, the DSDS has played host to current and former heads of government, business, academia, thought leaders and policymakers among others from over forty countries. Over the last twelve years, it has emerged as a leading global platform on sustainable development that is widely acclaimed and respected. Registration for DSDS 2013 is now open. Four package options are available – full Summit registration (all three days), DSDS single day registration, World CEO Sustainability Summit (30th Jan), and a combined package for both WCSS and DSDS. Registrations before 30th November can avail a 10% Early Bird Discount. Visit http://dsds.teriin.org to register.
-->