Green economy: the solution or part of the problem?

Participants: Fiona Nunan, Forum for Global Challenges Programme Lead Mao Amis, Director of the African Centre for a Green Economy George Varughese, former President of Development Alternatives, New Delhi Economic recovery is seen as urgent in the light of the global economic slowdown, with businesses collapsing, vast job losses and devastated livelihoods across the world. Many are calling for a more sustainable, inclusive recovery, in line with commitments made to tackle climate change. This is often encapsulated in the idea of the ‘green economy’. This panel discussion will explore what is understood by this term and whether it can go far enough in responding to the climate emergency and extensive inequalities. Critiques and alternatives to the ‘green economy’ will be discussed, examining the relevance of the concept for different parts of the world and how an economy can be created that effectively responds to the climate emergency and delivers on greater equality and prosperity.

Securing the future of chocolate: climate-smart cocoa in Ghana

As we approach Easter, in many parts of the world thoughts turn to chocolate. But the future of chocolate is threatened. The temperature range that cocoa beans grow well in is very narrow – small changes in temperature and changes in weather patterns threaten the productivity of cocoa farming – impacting the future of chocolate and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. Ghana is the world’s second largest producer of cocoa beans. As well we cocoa being threatened by climate change, the tree crop is one of the main drivers of deforestation in the country. This panel discussion will share the story of how applied research and a multi-stakeholder process led to the articulation of a climate-smart cocoa production pathway, the launch of the world’s first commodity-based emission reductions program, and a corporate commitment from global cocoa and chocolate companies to a no-deforestation supply chain. Through the lens of four panelists from Ghana’s Cocoa Board, Ghana Forestry Commission, a leading environmental NGO, and a global chocolate company, they will share insights and lessons from this process. They will speak to the current experience of funding and implementing a landscape approach to climate-smart cocoa and forest protection, and discuss how this case can be applied in other countries and commodities. Whether you are a student of the environment and development, or simply a lover of chocolate this event aims to spark a rich discussion about how one of the world’s most important global commodities can be produced sustainably and foster local to global benefits.