International trade is indispensable in enabling countries to meet demand for vital resources, which are not available, accessible or affordable domestically. However, it is precisely the attendant impact trade has on boosting global consumption and production, which raises environmental concerns. In a global situation of tight resource supplies, escalating demand and increasing competition for access, it is important to understand the implications of rapidly rising trade flows for global resource and environmental efficiency. The International Resource Panel's (IRP) latest report aims to shed light in this regard. By focusing on upstream requirements such as materials, energy, water and land used to extract and produce traded goods, the report hopes to enhance knowledge of the multifaceted environmental consequences of world trade. It offers useful evidence for decision-makers to formulate sound policies needed to curb the depletion and degradation of resources, the production of waste and other forms of ecological destruction linked to expanded levels of trade.