30th Annual Meeting of the International Association for Impact Assessment

The role of impact assessment in Transitioning to the Green Economy

International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG), Geneva, Switzerland | 6-11 Apr 10

Transitioning to the Green Economy

The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) invites international experts, IA practitioners, sector leaders, and policy makers from industry, government, consultancies, donor agencies, and academia to collaborate on what needs to be done and how to attain this vision.

The Green Economy is one in which the vital links between economy, society, and environment are taken into account and in which the transformation of production processes, production and consumption patterns contributes to a reduction per unit in waste, pollution, and the use of resources, materials and energy. Transitioning to the Green Economy will revitalize and diversify economies, create decent employment opportunities, promote sustainable trade, alleviate poverty and improve equity and income distribution.

To promote this shift, the world will need the assistance and cooperation from both public and private stakeholders. IAIA10 can help demonstrate the role of impact assessment in transitioning to the Green Economy. The event should communicate a strong and convincing case to governments and the private sector for how impact assessment, as one tool in a toolbox, can contribute to greening economies and businesses, and creating decent green jobs by investing in a new generation of assets (natural, human, and financial).

Objective, Topics, and Outcome

The objective of IAIA10 is to take advantage of the opportunity to provide policy makers with materials to help address the global crises.

IAIA10 will focus on the following sectors that have the potential for sustainable green investment:

• Agriculture
• Industry
• Cities
• Tourism
• Transport
• IAIA Section Specific

These sectors were identified as promising areas for potential sustainable green investment that can help revive the world economy, save and create jobs, enhance poverty reduction, and reduce carbon dependency and ecosystem degradation. Green investments in these areas can be an immediate response to the current global crises—financial, food, fuel, and climate change. The interaction and outcomes at IAIA10 will contribute to ongoing initiatives, including those of other organizations, on how impact assessment can best insure that these green investments in all fi ve sectors receive proper consideration.

The current global situation has drawn worldwide attention and is providing an opportunity for governments and businesses to seek and adopt alternative strategies that lead to a shift from carbon dependant societies to green sustainable ones.

For more information please visit http://www.iaia.org/iaia10/