Schmidt M. et al. (Eds.) (2019) Sustainable Global Value Chains Flashcards
Chapter 2, 4, 8, 13, 14 and 15
Chapter 2: Rio+20 and Beyond: A New Era of Sustainable Development
Main Points:
- Rio+20 marked a shift from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the more comprehensive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Focus areas included poverty eradication, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
- Developing countries were hesitant about adopting new terms like “green economy.”
- The SDGs integrated public-private partnerships, emphasizing the role of businesses in sustainability.
Chapter 2: Rio+20 and Beyond: A New Era of Sustainable Development
Critics:
- Implementation challenges due to voluntary compliance and lack of data in several areas.
- Fear that the new “green economy” concept might dilute commitments under the MDGs.
What was the main goal of Rio+20 in 2012?
To review sustainable development progress since 1992 and transition to the SDGs.
Why were developing countries skeptical of the “green economy”?
They feared it might dilute existing commitments to the MDGs.
How do SDGs differ from MDGs?
SDGs are more comprehensive, targeting poverty eradication, gender equality, and environmental sustainability globally.
What role do public-private partnerships play in SDG implementation?
They are essential for mobilizing resources and fostering collaboration.
What were the identified weaknesses of the MDGs in the 2015 review?
Persistent gender inequality, environmental degradation, and gaps between rich and poor households
Chapter 4: From Stockholm to Paris: Four Decades of Sustainability in International Law
Main Points:
- Evolution of sustainable development in international law from soft law (Stockholm Declaration) to binding agreements (Paris Agreement).
- The Stockholm Declaration (1972) emphasized the link between development and environmental protection.
- The Rio Declaration and Agenda 21 built upon earlier efforts, introducing sustainable development as a global policy.
Chapter 4: From Stockholm to Paris: Four Decades of Sustainability in International Law
Critics:
- Many sustainability commitments remain non-binding, limiting enforcement.
- The balance between socio-economic development and environmental protection is often contentious.
What was the significance of the Stockholm Declaration in 1972?
It linked environmental protection to development, laying the groundwork for sustainable development.
How did the Rio Declaration build on earlier efforts?
It established sustainable development as a key global policy, emphasizing environmental and socio-economic balance.
What are the challenges of implementing sustainability in international law?
Many commitments are non-binding, making enforcement difficult.
What role do international courts play in sustainable development?
They increasingly recognize sustainability as a legal principle, influencing dispute settlements.
How has sustainable development evolved in international agreements?
From soft law declarations to binding treaties like the Paris Agreement
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Chapter 8: Towards Mandatory Sustainability: Recent Lessons from Germany
Main Points:
- Sustainability is transitioning from voluntary to mandatory in Germany.
- Legislative tools like the German Sustainability Codex and Global Reporting Initiative are gaining traction.
- Companies are facing increasing compliance pressures.
Chapter 8: Towards Mandatory Sustainability: Recent Lessons from Germany
Critics:
- The shift to mandatory sustainability could increase operational costs for businesses.
- Smaller companies might struggle with the regulatory burden.
Is sustainability becoming mandatory in Germany?
Yes, regulatory frameworks are pushing for more mandatory compliance in sustainability practices.
What is the German Sustainability Codex?
A voluntary framework that’s becoming influential in guiding corporate sustainability practices.
What challenges do companies face with mandatory sustainability?
Increased compliance costs and operational adjustments.
How does Germany promote sustainability legislatively?
Through codes, reporting initiatives, and regulatory tools.
Why might small businesses struggle with mandatory sustainability?
Due to the financial and administrative burden of compliance
Chapter 13: Chain of Custody and Transparency in Global Supply Chains
Main Points:
- Chain of Custody (CoC) models ensure traceability in supply chains.
- Transparency is a key challenge, requiring technological innovations like blockchain.
- Collaborative approaches improve supply chain transparency.
Chapter 13: Chain of Custody and Transparency in Global Supply Chains
Critics:
- Implementing transparency tools can be costly and complex.
- Data sharing across supply chains raises privacy and security concerns.
What is a Chain of Custody (CoC) model?
A system ensuring traceability and transparency in supply chains.
