Proceedings of the Second Annual UNU World Congress on Zero Emissions
Keto Mshigeni, Gunter Pauli and Williams, Eric, Proceedings of the Second Annual UNU World Congress on Zero Emissions, (Tokyo: United Nations University, 1996).
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Author Keto Mshigeni
Gunter Pauli
Williams, EricTitle Proceedings of the Second Annual UNU World Congress on Zero Emissions Series Title Zero Emissions Research Initiative Publication Date 1996-05 Place of Publication Tokyo Publisher United Nations University Pages 219 Language eng Abstract The Zero Emissions Research Initiative (ZERI) was launched by the United Nations University in 1994, as a global strategy to achieve sustainable development. Since then, the UNU/ZERI, gradually became well known world-wide for its practical solutions to current pollutant industrial processes and wasteful use of natural resources. Because of its problem-solving approach and positive outlook, it became attractive to business, governments and scientists. Today is recognized as one of the most innovative initiatives after Rio 92. ZERI advocates a shift away from the traditional linear industrial model, in which wastes are considered a normal side-effect of industrial production, towards an integrated system in which everything has its use. All industrial inputs are converted into final products of a given manufacturing plant, or what is treated as waste is converted into value added inputs in another chain of production. At the end, the manufacturing line becomes a series of production cycles and recycling system, as it is in Nature. In this way, industries may be organized into clusters within one single corporation, or in interdependent sets of industries, such that the whole discharges no waste in the air, soil or water. This represents the maximum utilization of natural resources, on top of total quality management. To achieve such a goal, a new industrial revolution is required. This is a stimulating perspective, as an array of opportunities are open to scientists for innovative technologies and breakthroughs, to governments for new industrial policies, to business for redesigning industrial production and for winning new markets and societal support. In total, present generation’s welfare, and the survival of mankind are dependent on the survival of the global life support systems. ZERI advocates an industrial revolution in which industry mimics nature’s sustainable cycles and one where mankind, instead of expecting the earth to produce more, learns to do more with what the earth produces. Its goal is a far reaching ideal, but it serves as a motto for raising awareness and mobilizing forces. UNU/ZERI fosters the ideal into action. In two years, many countries, governments, industries, universities, foundations, local communities started to adhere and are putting in practice the idea. In Japan, zero emissions ideal is triggering a large movement rooted in local communities, but also penetrating universities, media and government. Pilot projects have been set up in Japan, Fiji, Indonesia, Namibia, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Sweden. A few large chemical companies in America, the automobile industry in Sweden and cement and machinery manufacturing groups in Japan, are committed to “the goal is zero” . Scientific journals started to pay serious attention to the conditions or feasibility for achieving zero emissions. Media, particularly in Japan, showed an immediate interest for the idea, and has being covering it in many languages. The results of these initiatives, and the experience gained by the various countries, institutions and industrial groups were brought to the Second Annual UNU World Congress on Zero Emissions held in Chattanooga, from 29 - 31 May 1996. Here is their account. UNBIS Thesaurus RECYCLING
RESOURCES CONSERVATION
INDUSTRIAL EFFICIENCY
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTCopyright Holder United Nations University Copyright Year 1996 Copyright type All rights reserved ISBN 490668601 -
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