Materials supply and demand problems and related near- and long-term issues as seen by relatively developed resource-rich nations. [Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand]

Conference · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Mater. Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6870498

Harris, S

The concerns of the relatively developed, resource-rich (RDR-R) countries (basically Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand) fall between those of the industrialized countries and the developing countries. The advanced countries are principally concerned about their dependence on imports, often from developing or RDR-R countries, to meet their increasing raw materials needs, while the latter are concerned about both conditions of trade for their raw material exports, and, more broadly, their long-term ability to obtain materials for their own expected economic growth. Given the importance of resources to these countries, a major reexamination of the relation of domestic environmental, social, political, and economic policies to resource development is unsurprising. In the emotional atmosphere following the energy crisis, however, this has added fuel to an already-confused international debate. This renewed international interest in these issues is welcome and vital. As yet, little has emerged from it to reduce confusion. The reasons for this are many, but they include failure to approach issues pragmatically rather than dogmatically; to take a realistic rather than a moralistic approach; and to specify issues precisely. The consequences are a lack of credibility in discussion and a misinterpretation of actions and of situations. This could result in wrong policy prescriptions, as well as continued political conflict and uncertainty. Among the consequences could be a further discouragement of investment in raw material productive capacity. The developing countries in total might then achieve their objective of higher prices unintentionally through world underinvestment in capacity.

• Research Organization: Australian National Univ., Canberra
• OSTI ID: 6870498
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Mater. Soc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 1:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
AFRICA
AUSTRALASIA
AUSTRALIA
CANADA
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MATERIALS
NEW ZEALAND
NORTH AMERICA
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
SOUTH AFRICA
TRADE