The demand for mined materials is on a sharp rise, fueled by booming construction sectors, the chemicals industry, and the rapidly evolving electronics and digital revolution. This traditional strain on resources is now compounded by the steady progress towards clean energy solutions. Critical minerals, essential for renewable energy technologies are experiencing a surge in demand.
Trade serves as a fundamental driver of global economic activity, significantly driving material extraction and environmental externalities. Trade and trade policy can play a critical role in ensuring a just and environmentally sustainable response to the rising demand in mining.
Amidst the growing political momentum for a shift to sustainable practices in the sector, UNEP Environment & Trade is driving collaborative action through rigorous analysis and stakeholder engagement. With the aim to address the triple planetary crises and highlight socio-economic opportunities for developing countries, UNEP is fostering a paradigm shift where trade not only drives economic prosperity but also advances environmental and sustainable development goals on a global scale.
More about Sustainable Trade in Resources: Global Material Flows, Circularity and Trade Link to full paper and factsheet can be found here.
Outputs and activities
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Expert consultation workshop: Advancing sustainability in the mining sector, the role of trade and trade policy (March 2024)
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Expert workshop on sustainable development and trade in minerals critical for energy and green economy transition: developing country perspectives (June 2024)
Key partners
