Michael Porter and Global Experts in Canada to speak on how strong
environmental regulation can drive innovation and growth

MONTREAL, June 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Just prior to the 2010 World Congress of Environment and Resource Economists in Montreal, Sustainable Prosperity and Resources for the Future are hosting a one day high-level symposium entitled "The Porter Hypothesis at 20: How Can Environmental Regulation Enhance Innovation and Competitiveness?," which brings together the world's top sustainable economy scholars.

The High-level Experts lunch Panel features keynote speaker Professor Michael Porter of Harvard University (widely seen as the world's top competitiveness expert), followed by an International Experts Panel on how environmental regulations can be designed to boost innovation and competitiveness. Porter argues that strong environmental regulation need not hurt the economy, but can drive innovation and growth. He has written:

"Countries need an entirely new way of thinking about the relationship between environment and industrial competitiveness. No lasting success can come from policies that promise that environmentalism will triumph over industry, (or) that industry will triumph over environmentalism. Instead, success must involve innovation-based solutions that promote both environmentalism and industrial competitiveness."

"Porter's message is especially relevant for Canada," said Professor Stewart Elgie, chair of Sustainable Prosperity. "If we act now and put a price on carbon emissions, rather than waiting for the U.S., it will not hurt Canada's economy - and will likely improve our competitive position in an ever-greening global economy."

Panellists concerned with how Canada should position itself to prosper in a future low-carbon economy are set to discuss:

    
    -  How can businesses become greener and more competitive, and stay
       profitable
    -  Is Canada wise (economically) to wait for the US before regulating
       carbon emissions?
    -  What approach is best for regulating carbon and pollution (green
       taxes, cap & trade, clean technology subsidies)?
    -  What can policy-makers learn to help put in place regulations that
       promise positive economic and environmental outcomes?
    

Media are invited to join the event by webcast. After the keynote and panellists sessions, there will be a Q&A period, with opportunities for those participating by webcast to pose questions.

Please go to www.sustainableprosperity.ca from 12:20 - 2:00 pm (EST), Monday June 28, 2010 in order to participate!

For additional resources or if you would like to read a short background paper summarizing the international research on the "Porter Hypothesis", go to www.sustainableprosperity.ca

About RFF

Resources for the Future is an independent, non-partisan think tank that, through its social science research, enables policymakers and stakeholders to make better, more informed decisions about energy, environmental, natural resource, and public health issues. Headquartered in Washington, DC, its research scope comprises programs in nations around the world.

About SP

Sustainable Prosperity is a national research and policy network, based at the University of Ottawa. SP focuses on market-based approaches to build a stronger, greener economy. It brings together business, policy and academic leaders to help innovative ideas inform policy development.

For further information: For media inquiries please contact: Geneviève Blouin, Publicist, Genesis PR, [phone] or [email protected]; For information on the symposium or SP, please contact: Jenna Dunsby, Network Coordinator, Sustainable Prosperity, [phone] ext. 3342, [email protected]