The economic links between the UK economy and global
ecosystems
Described by Napoleon as a ‘nation of
shopkeepers’, the UK is now a nation of consumers and investors. In
2005, we imported £280 billion worth of goods and UK business
invested £46 billion abroad. The UK economy is near to the top of
the league of global investors and this financial and purchasing
power gives the UK the potential to exert a significant influence
on the global environment, including biodiversity.
To identify the scale, nature and location of
this global economic biodiversity footprint, JNCC initiated its
Global Impacts Programme in 2005. With a functioning project
website, partners across government and beyond, and a carefully
developed strategic focus on key geographical areas, commodities
and investment sectors, the programme is now showing results. With
an initial emphasis on imported commodities likely to impact on
producer country biodiversity, the website enables access to
evidence concerning global trade and an analysis – from reports
prepared by UK government, JNCC and non-governmental organisations
– of the potential environmental impacts of these commodities.
National biodiversity context at the producer end is provided
through protected area data, national biodiversity action plans and
Millennium Ecosystem reports, much of which is provided through
joint work with the World Conservation Monitoring Centre in
Cambridge.
Current project work is focusing on tracking
UK investments into key economies and key business sectors abroad,
and also on the global impacts of the rapidly developing biofuels
industry. An underpinning programme philosophy emphasises linking
evidence, analysis and policy whilst looking at key trade and
investment partners outside the EU and the Organisation for
Economic Cooperation and Development. The work supports key
government international programmes, in particular Defra’s work
with the Sustainable Development Dialogue countries [1] to
promote sustainable consumption and production, and also the
international project assessment work of the UK’s Export Credits
Guarantee Department.
Dr Tony Weighell
UK Global Impact Adviser
Tel: (0) +44 1733 866902