Abstract
Nowadays, the growing pressure to reduce global resource use has been further complicated by the strong reliance on global supply chains, with recent crises such as wars and pandemics showing the vulnerabilities of countries strongly reliant on imported raw materials. In this context, the aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of different policy interventions aimed at reducing material throughput while considering the national impacts of trade dependence and external supply shocks. This work is developed to address the shortcomings of mainstream approaches that remain too techno-optimistic, not considering at the same time socio-economic and environmental trade-offs.It contributes to the field of ecological macroeconomics, expanding the issues related to the sustainability transitions. Methodologically, the research applies a system dynamics modelling approach, integrating the Eurogreen macroeconomic model available for Italy with an updated module on waste management and material use, together with expanded representation of international trade. To perform a scenario analysis, we start with a business-as-usual scenario. We then evaluate the outcomes of alternative strategies, including policies aimed at improving material efficiency, alongside others commonly proposed in the post-growth and degrowth literature, such as working time reduction and the voluntary reduction of final goods consumption. Finally, we emphasise the importance of integrating technological advancements with public initiatives to ensure a material downscaling of the economy that remains sustainable both from an environmental and a social perspective, considering at the same time possible effects of international dependencies.
Presenters
Leonardo PaoliPhD Student, Economics, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy Tiziano Distefano
Associate Professor, Economics and Management, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
INTERNATIONAL TRADE, ECOLOGICAL MACROECONOMICS, RAW MATERIALS
