Transforming Markets to Mitigate Environmental and Social Impacts - Sustainability Solutions Café featuring Helen van Hoeven

Trade and economic growth have improved the quality of life for millions of people around the world, but it has come at a high cost to the environment. As market demand for food, fibre and fuel increases in the coming decades, so will the impact on our planet’s natural resources.

The effect on biodiversity is, however, not just linked to global demand, but also to where and how companies and their supply chains obtain and process these vital commodities.

Today, over-fishing, deforestation, species loss, pollution,water scarcity and climate change are critical environmental challenges linked to the production and consumption of basic commodities that are both renewable (e.g. timber, crops, livestock and fish) and non-renewable (e.g. minerals, oil and gas).

For example, deforestation in the Amazon is closely linked to expanding livestock and soy production, and Asia's Coral Triangle is under threat from over-fishing and rising sea temperatures.

During this session we will discuss amongst others if big brands can help save biodiversity and if consumers should have a choice about sustainable products.

12:30-1:30PM Café discussion over lunch
Paganucci Lounge, '53 Commons
Open to the public

Sustainability Solutions Cafés are supported by the Porter Fund for the Sustainability Minor and the Environmental Studies Program. For more information and to view past events, visit: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~envs/about/sustcafe.html