A balance between natural resources and industrial development
NEWS
During her tour of northern Sweden, Karin Lexén, Secretary General of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, made a stop at Umeå University. Together with Magnus Lindmark, Professor of Economic History, they discussed the topic "How do we utilize nature's resources while conserving them?" during a lunch seminar.
The industrial, also called green, transition that northern Sweden is facing not only demands access to natural resources but also puts justice and responsibility on the agenda.
Magnus Lindmark, professor of Economic History at Umeå university.
Image Alexandra Haglund
Magnus Lindmark provided an overarching reflection on the transition, emphasizing that when new industries are established, we must ensure that local communities are not overlooked in favor of large actors' economic gains.
"We must be an inclusive state where profits are returned to the local communities that are affected in various ways by the rapid progress of industries. It is important that everyone in the local community benefits from the reinvestments. In this regard, inspiration can be drawn from the design of the Norwegian Oil Fund. A form of compensation for the benefit of biodiversity, or mandatory insurance for land restoration, could be a way forward," says Magnus Lindmark.
A holistic approach to the transition
The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation has recently released a policy based on five guiding principles to achieve a sustainable societal economy without compromising nature or biodiversity.
Karin Lexén, Secretary General of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.
Image Alexandra Haglund
Human rights as a basis for economic development are also included in the policy, as neocolonialism needs to be avoided by strengthening democratic processes.
"We cannot solve the climate crisis without also addressing biodiversity; these are two interlinked crises, and we need to take a holistic approach that includes democracy and societal participation," says Karin Lexén, continuing.
"A critical approach to the establishment of industries is necessary; we cannot just accelerate, we also need to discuss sufficiency and transition to more reuse and recycling. A true green transition occurs within the planet's boundaries, and healthy ecosystems are also our preparedness against climate disasters."
Over 50 people participated in the seminar, and many took the opportunity to ask questions. The seminar was organized by the Umeå Transformation Research Initiative (UTRI).