India and China the world’s emerging economic giants will determine the world’s environmental future – there is also the threat of resource-driven conflicts between the two. This Science Magazine report sets out the issues. The report has to be purchased - I’ll summarise the main issues.
Both countries are using many natural resources – iron ore, coal and gas imports are not even mentioned – but there is a concentration of imports too from S.E. Asia. By 2020, Chinaand India may be importing 64% of all currently produced roundwoodin Asia contributing to deforestation-drivenGGEs and biodiversity loss. Both countries import 9 milliontons of crude palm oil annually—one-quarter ofglobal production—mostly from Malaysia and Indonesia.
The degree to which China and India consume natural resourceswithin their boundaries, and beyond, will determinefuture global environmental, social, and economic outcomes.. Read more »

