SEI Theme >

Rethinking Development

The growth and increasing connectivity of the global economy has brought welfare and prosperity to much of the world, but has gone hand in hand with a depletion of the natural resources and vital ecosystem functions that are the foundation of our existence.  Long-term cumulative impacts on atmospheric, terrestrial and oceanic systems all put into question the continuation of current production and consumption patterns.  Huge changes in how we administer the planet’s resources are clearly needed but the benefits and drawbacks of alternative governance systems remain poorly understood.  To help address this challenge, SEI is developing scenarios that can help evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative development pathways.

SEI helps to:

• design and implement new development pathways for governing the globalized economy and environment,
• assess sectoral and regional development paths within sustainable boundaries, including more sustainable consumption and production patterns, a new green revolution, and eco-efficient economic change,
• establish a new economic paradigm for development.

Related Research Areas at the SEI US Center:

Water Resources
Energy Modeling
Climate Economics
Climate Mitigation Policy
Emissions Trading & Offsets
Climate & Equity
Sustainable Futures