Environmental Sustainability and the Financial Crisis: Linkages and Policy Recommendations

CIGI Working Group on Environment and Resources

September 11, 2009

As the global economic crisis and nascent recovery continue to unfold, it is important not to lose sight of the environment amid fiscal stimulus efforts and economic reorientation. Economic prosperity cannot be pursued at the expense of environmental sustainability. Indeed, long-term economic prosperity requires a strong and healthy ecosystem at its base. The papers presented in this publication outline and highlight unique challenges and opportunities for policy makers in the face of the current economic crisis.

About the Authors

Jason Thistlethwaite is a former CIGI senior fellow and an associate professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo.

Debora L. VanNijnatten is a professor in the Department of Political Science and North American Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and director of the master’s program in international public policy at the BSIA.