Developing environmentally sound alternatives

Since current policies will not lead to a sustainable future, at either the regional or the global level, region-specific studies were undertaken for GEO-2000 to investigate possible alternative policies. In each study, several alternative policy responses were identified to address the issues at hand. Each of the selected responses has been implemented elsewhere with success. The results confirm that, in principle, the knowledge and technological base to solve environmental issues are available, and that if these alternative policies were implemented immediately and pursued with vigour they could indeed set the world on a more sustainable course.

1. Studies highlight major gaps in existing knowledge and experience when it comes to analysing and directing macro-economical processes relating to the environment. A number of issues, including trade and financial flows, cannot be adequately addressed because of a lack of relevant information and knowledge. There is an urgent need to improve understanding of the effects of economic and social developments on the environment, and vice versa.

1. Developing policy
2. Demonstrating alternatives

1. Establishing environmentally sound land-based waste disposal alternatives to sea dumping
2. Developing environmentally sound alternatives for harmful production processes
3. Clarifying alternative development systems