An Analysis of the Effects of the Financial Crisis of 2008 on Country Sustainability Efforts

• In Event: Diversity, Emotional Intelligence, Sustainability & The Financial Crisis

Abstract

The financial crisis of 2008 had varying effects on the relationship between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and ecological footprint in countries around the world. During the years following the crisis, some countries’ sustainability efforts appear to be unaffected while others experienced either a positive or negative impact on their ecological footprint. As environmental concerns increase the international pressure for improved sustainability, the impact of the 2008 financial crisis provides insights into country specific efforts regarding this global concern. This study focuses on the top ten countries with the largest GDP and their sustainability efforts as demonstrated by the relationship between their respective ecological footprint to GDP. We examine the association of the strength of country litigation efforts and the degree to which the country relies on import versus export trade on the sustainability impact following an economic shock to the system.

Authors

• Bryan Crusius, Trinity University

• Chloe Bales, Trinity University

• Shage Zhang, Trinity University

• Amy Foshee Holmes, Trinity University