Pitching for efficient use of natural resources, noted environmentalist R.K Pachauri today said it will not only lead to economic gains, but also ensure that the poor people have the access.

“We are living in a world where the demand for several resources is growing faster than addition to their reserves.

High resource use intensity is associated with the economic inefficiency,” Pachauri said at a curtain-raiser to the 13th edition of The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI)’s ‘Delhi Sustainable Development Summit’ here.

“Most importantly, using resources efficiently makes it possible for the poor to gain access to them, which otherwise they may not be able to afford,” Pachauri, who is also the Director-General of TERI, added.

The world, he said, is going to face some “serious stresses” as a fall out of the growing population now stands at over seven billion, and the growing aspirations of the people who can afford to consume more.

“With the economic growth, several countries will be able to import, to consume as much possible fuel they need. But, what will happen with the higher prices? The poorest countries and the poorest communities will be left literally high-and-dry,” Pachauri said citing the example of fuel.

“So, I think there is a dimension of equity also when it comes to efficient use of resources. It is not merely a question of aggregate supply and demand, it is also a question of access,” he added.

Pachauri said this forms the basis for this year’s ‘Delhi Sustainable Development Summit’ which starts in the national capital on January 31 and ends on February 2.

“Featuring an illustrious array of distinguished heads of states, noble laureates, policy makers and corporate leaders, the Summit will be inaugurated by Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh,” he said.

The summit would seek to build a global consensus to protect natural resources and explore innovative solutions to boost efficient practises and minimise unsustainable consumption patterns.

At least, heads of three nations including Seychelles’ President James Alix Michel, Presidents of Asian Development Bank and African Development Bank and around 160 CEOs from various industries would take part in the event.

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