1. Discussant conclusions and questions on Brazil, South Africa, Canada and Netherlands papers Stephen Hall Government Statistical Service Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs United Kingdom Theme 5 The Environment and Sustainability 21 October 2010 1

2. Brazil and South Africa Country-specific indicators for MDG7 Not just a statistical exercise Coordination with policy Ministries Consultation with stakeholders Aimed at communication with the public Many similarities thematically and in terms of indicators 15

3. Canada Environmental Statistics Framework 2 aspects A thematic / conceptual framework Statistical standards / definitions 15

4. Netherlands Welfare, Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Framework Argues to separate current quality of life from future wellbeing Brings in a separate international dimension 15

5. Specific questions / issues Brazil Why are the MDG and Statistical Office indicators different? What are the obstacles to there being one indicator set? What is the distinction between short-term and long-term indicators? 15

6. Specific questions / issues Canada This appears to be predominantly a thematic list of environmental issues rather than a conceptual framework. Is this a fair comment? How different do you think this would be if it was a list of environmental policies? 15

7. Specific questions / issues Netherlands Distinction between current quality of life and future-oriented capital is blurred as there are common indicators. Is this a problem? The capital flows and associated benefits for the current generation are missing, are these needed to understand the capital stocks? 15

8. Specific questions / issues Netherlands In the international dimension how should the balance of imports and exports be evaluated? 15

9. General questions Do any of these approaches measure environmental sustainability? Do frameworks make a difference when it comes down to the indicators chosen? Who are the indicators for? How should policy makers be engaged? 15