Rainforests and economics

The economic system proposed by the Green Party of Iran is neither a free market nor command based system since both are based on unlimited economic expansion and consumption. We believe that a new economic system should be created - one that is in harmony with the environment in addition to working for the social well being of people. Since economies grow while ecosystems do not, a growing economy is a threat to the long-term health and well being of a society. In fact, in industrialized countries, large corporations seeking increased revenues are often the main perpetrators of environmental destruction. Although Iranian economic growth is less than growth in industrialized countries, Iran is still faced with difficult problems because of its fundamentalist regime. In fact, in addition to environmental destruction caused by profit seeking corporations, the ineffectiveness and corruption of the reactionary Islamic regime has caused much of the ecological devastation plaguing Iran today. http://www.iran-e-sabz.org/program/program.html


In response to a parliamentary question labour government minister Barry Gardiner stated

'Trade in illegal timber is unacceptable. As the world’s fourth biggest net wood product importer, the UK recognises that it can play an important role in influencing timber markets. The Government are committed to tackling illegal logging and its associated trade.'


I was shocked to find the House of Commons uses timber logged from the disappearing rainforests of Papua New Guinea....the solution to ecological crisis is not just about tightening up regulation it is about changing the economy.


The economy that only works if it grows, if we produce and consume more, is the root of the ecological crisis. This understanding fuels me and fuels the Green Economics Institute which is very important body promoting a new green economics, please support it.




With an ever increasing gap between rich and poor, and the increasing number of people living below a minimum standard of living, there is a need for new solutions and a complete reassessment of the problems and what really counts.

The Green Economics Institute has therefore been formed to bring together thinkers, activists, practioners, academics and policy makers, business people (where suitable), economists and campaigners, writers and opinion formers in order to educate and exchange information and ideas and to provide the tools for beneficial change to occur.

The Green Economics Institute will undertake and encourage and support research into Green Economics issues, perspectives, methods, tools and instruments, economic theoretical discourses and disciplines in order to facilitate change in the way people are affected by the economy and their relationship to it. It will seek out and encourage best practise and innovation in Fair Trade and sustainability and exchange ideas and examples and cases.



Aims
The aim is that as a result more people enjoy a better quality of life. There will be focus on corporate activities and the globalisation process and their impacts on a range of stakeholders including indigenous peoples, minorities, women, people in less developed countries and non human species and the biosphere and also the conventional wisdoms of trickle down theories, growth and development.

The culture of consumerism will be critically assessed and the Institute will aim to underpin an economic discipline which serves more people's needs than simple discussions of supply and demand. Green Tools and Instruments including the role of the citizens income, land value tax, local production for local needs, will be presented and thoroughly analysed and discussed from a variety of perspectives.

Current events and conferences

Conference: Green Economics for Campaigning.Sat 7th October 2006 10.00am - 6.00pm, Caxton House, London N19


Please pre-book and register. Registration form on the left of this page. £30 all in. Celebrate The First 10 years of Green Economics Conference with free wine and cakes at a conference on Sat 7th October 2006 10.00am - 6.00pm, Caxton House, London N19

Learn about economics with Professor Jack Reardan, Dr Derek Wall, Volker Heinemann, Victor Anderson, Dr Fatima Ferreiro University of Lisbon, Dr Josef Baum from Austria,

John Stewart Head of Transport 2000 talks about Green Economics and Aviation Reduction

Supply chain experts

David Rabey Procurement Director DEFRA

Jenny Jones GLA.Fomer Deputy Mayor of London, Geoff Tansey Rowntree Visionary and Food Writer

Alan Fenwick FMCIPS Fellow of the Institute of Purchasing and Supply, looks at Supply Chain Vulnerability

Laura de Macedo Head of ICLEI Brazil, talks about Ecoprocurement and sustainable cities

Food supply issues:


Jenny Jones Greater London Assemby Member, Recent Deputy Lord Mayor of London and London Food Commission

Geoff Tansey Rowntree Visionary and Food Writer

Rose Bridger Food campaigner and writer

Liza Griffin Lecturer discusses The price of Fish

Ian Chambers business and social studies expert talks about the distinctive aspects of Green Economics and life planning for the planet

10 years of green economics party Introduced by Peg Alexander, Dr Richard Lawson, Brian Leslie,


Bookings now open £30 including lunch and continuous tea, coffee and biscuits all day, if prebooked which guarantees a place and £35 on the day. Please send cheques to the Green Economics Institute, 6 Strachey Close,Tidmarsh,Reading RG8 8EP or email : greeneconomicsinstitute@yahoo.com to reserve a place





Philosopy of Green Economics Conference Lancaster UK on Saturday 18th November 2006 £15 Please pre register on the forms on the left hand green tab .Also see there the list of speakers




Oxford University 2nd ever Green Economics Conference April 2nd 3rd 4th 2007- Call for papers Themes include global networking, global campaigning, feminist and green economics, innovation,sustainable cities Special day featuring China and the attempt to be clean and green with China specialists and transport