Of green economy initiatives 41% 34% 27% 20% 25% 53% green economy activity in south africa general findings l green economy initiatives have sharply increased since 2010 l all key sectors in south africas economy and all provinces are active in or associated with the green economy in some way l 60% of green economy initiatives are located. If current trends continue, the global per capita use of natural resources will increase by 70 per cent by 2050. A5 green economy ok national science and technology. Within unep, the green economy initiative includes three sets of activities. The concept of a green economy has lately gained currency as the world has been searching for solution to multiple global changes, especially in the midst of the global economic crisis in 2008. It aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment. During the recent global financial crisis, the united nations general assembly and. Benefits, challenges and risks from a sustainable development perspective summary of background papers jose antonio ocampo columbia university the concept of a green economy has become a center of policy debates in recent years. Green economy a system of economic activities related to the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services that result in improved human wellbeing over the long term, while not exposing future generations to significant environmental risks and ecological scarcities unep green economy initiative. The green economy report ger is one of the three key elements emerging from the green economy initiative announced by unep in 2008. Unep emphasizes the preservation of natural capital, which includes ecosystems and natural resources.
It demonstrates that the greening of economies is not generally a drag on growth but rather a new engine of growth. Steering towards a green economy is an introduction to green economy concepts, ideas and actions with particular relevance to south africa. An economy that results in improved human wellbeing and reduced inequalities over the long term, while not exposing future generations to significant environmental risks and ecological scarcities, united nations environment programme unep, 2012. Another more elaborate definition of green economy is. The paper emphasises the changes in the conditions influencing sustainable development in mountains, which bring new. S u 2014 partnership for action on page annual progress report 1 january 20 31 march 2011. The report covers the impacts and opportunities linked with shipping and fisheries to tourism, marinebased renewable energies and. The idea of a green economy had its origins in the report blueprint for a green economy prepared by pearce, markandya and barbier 1989 for the uk department of the environment. This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or nonprofit purposes without special permission from the holder, provided. A green economy is one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcity. Internationally developed assessment methods for a green economy 3. A recent research paper2commissioned by unep argues that an investment of one percent of global gdp over the next two years could provide the critical mass of green infrastructure needed to seed a significant greening of the global economy of course, the specific focus of the investment will differ between developed. Icc also wishes to acknowledge the amount of research and work that underpin the ger.
Greenup is a united nations environment programme initiative to connect citizens worldwide with the resources they need to help support the transition to a green economy. We promote the transition to economies that are low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive. In response, the green economy ge movement has emerged. Green is gold the strategy and actions of chinas ecological civilization. The united nations environment programme unep launched the green economy initiative gei in 2008 consisting of global research and countrylevel assistance aiming at motivating policymakers to support environmental investments as a way of achieving sustainable development. According to unep, a green economy is an economy that results in improved. Nairobi, 25 june 2014 signalling their support to accelerate a global shift towards a lowcarbon, climateresilient, green economy, the leaders of the united nations environment programme unep and the global green growth institute gggi have signed a memorandum of understanding mou during the first united nations environment assembly unea. Green growth can be viable model for economic growth that can trigger healthy competition as it focuses on improving resource productivity rather than money making. Oct, 20 green economy is not about slowing economic growth.
In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive. For the united nations environment programme unep, a green economy is one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Green economy concepts and overview of green economy. The green economy in a blue world report analyzes how key sectors that are interlinked with the marine and coastal environment the blue world can make the transition towards a green economy. Green economy and the green economy business case for the private sector unep launched its green economy initiative in 2008. According to unep, a green economy is an economy that results in improved human wellbeing and so cial equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Unepgreen economy initiative 1 global green new deal an update for the g20 pittsburgh summit unep september 2009 in response to the financial and economic crisis, unep has called for a global green new deal 1 for reviving the global economy and boosting employment while simultaneously accelerating the fight.
The united nations environment programme unep, with the contributions of experts around the world, has produced a document containing more than 600 pages that explore environmental problems in great detail 2, together with a synthesis for policy makers. The initiative, which was launched on 22 october 2008, in london, uk, is funded by the european commission, germany and norway. Article pdf available in environment and planning c government and policy 316. The report outlines the policy choices, urgent actions and investments needed for a global green economy one that is lowcarbon, resourceefficient. Pathways to sustainable development and poverty eradication. Green economy can be simply defined as being lowcarbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive unep, 2011a. A guidebook to the green economy sustainable development.
Multiple green economy and green growth definitions have been developed, including the following. Involves local resources cost efficient and can also be included in existing city plans and paradigms. Fairness implies recognizing global and country level equity dimensions, particularly in assuring a just transition to an economy that is lowcarbon, resource efficient, and socially inclusive. Disclaimer the designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the united nations environment programme concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of. A green economy is buttressed by three major pillars. The united nations environment programme unep defines the green economy as one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities 2010. On behalf of the united nations and its partners, unep is proud to host the 20 southsouth development expo, which will explore inclusive green economies. The green economy is defined as an economy that results in reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Unep defines a green economy as one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In this paper, issue 3 of a guidebook to the green economy, the aim is to explore the range of policy measures that have been proposed under the green economy label by experts and practitioners in recent publications as well as by several governments in recent national planning documents. The report is compiled by unep s green economy initiative in collaboration with economists and experts worldwide.
Unep, word bank, global green growth institute, as well as the consulting company dual citizen. According to the unep, through a transition to the green economy it will be possible. Working towards a balanced and inclusive green economy. Pdf is the concept of a green economy a useful way of framing. A green economy is dependent on sustainable development which means growing our economies in ways that benefit, not sacrifice, social justice and equity as well as the environment.
Green economy in a blue world why a green economy in a blue world matters oceans cover 71 per cent of the earths surface and provide us with food, oxygen and jobs. Pathway to sustainable urban development this century, the growth and development of many world cities are pushed by an economy that supports sustainable, liveable and wealthy communities through integrated ecological, and socioeconomic agendas that encourage human and environmental wellbeing. Articles and excerpts that illustrate green economy and. Annual progress report using models for green economy. The united nations environment programme unep defines the green economy as one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Kenya green economy strategy and implementation plan. In a green economy, growth in employment and income are driven by public and private investment into such economic activities, infrastructure and assets that allow reduced carbon emissions and pollution, enhanced energy and resource efficiency, and prevention of the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. An inclusive green economy is an alternative to todays dominant economic model, which exacerbates inequalities, encourages waste, triggers resource scarcities, and generates widespread threats to the environment and human health. Governance challenges for a green economy in africa united. The unep report towards a green economy defines a green economy as one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Global green new deal united nations environment programme. But they are probably the least understood, most biologically diverse, and most undervalued of all ecosystems.
Its mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnerships in caring for the environment by inspiring. United nations environment programme, nor does citing of trade names or commercial processes constitute endorsement. The report makes a compelling economic and social case for investing two per cent of global gdp in greening ten central. Information on the origin and meaning of a green economy, and how a green economy can be implemented in south africa, is described. First, that a significant slice of the multitrilliondollar stimulus packages could, if targeted at environmental investments, be. Icc initial comments on the unep draft green economy report key messages icc welcomes the unep green economy report ger as a tool to raise awareness about global opportunities and challenges in green economy thinking. Unep and gggi renew alliance to accelerate green economy.
Published in 1989, blueprint for a green economy presented, for the first time, practical policy measures for greening modern economies and putting them on a path to sustainable development. Pdf if one were to put on your desk two words, green economy, what would your first. The 2011 unep green economy report argues that to be green, an economy must not only be efficient, but also fair. Module 1 introduction to the green economy approach.
A green economy as one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Various indicators are already available to reflect these different aspects and illustrate the extent to which progress has been made. A handbook iv the united nations environment programme the united nations environment programme unep is the overall coordinating environmental organization of the united nations system. The green economy initiative launched by unep in 2008, at the height of the global financial and economic crises has served to inform governments of two unique opportunities. Unep launches green economy initiative news sdg knowledge. United ep nations united nations environment programme.
It is closely related with ecological economics, but has a more politically applied focus. More than two billion people have been affected by disasters and conflicts since 2000. Icc comments on the unep draft green economy report. It is therefore crucial for countries to combine and balance environmental protection. The topic of green economy indicators is going to grow in importance. Tourism in the green economy aspires to be more energy efficient and more climate sound. The report covers the impacts and opportunities linked with shipping and fisheries to tourism, marinebased renewable energies and agriculture.
It provides recommendations on how greening the agriculture, energy and forestry sectors can catalyze a transition to a green economy. The international labour organization ilo has welcomed a new green economy report by the united nations environmental programme unep entitled towards a green economy. Ghana provides comparative scenarios for future growth that estimates economic, environmental and social impacts. The kenya green economy assessment report launched by unep in 2014 concluded that kenya is already implementing various green economy approaches and policies, and that a transition to green economy has positive impacts in the medium and long term across all the sectors of the economy. A green economy is defined as low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive. Such cooperation is also critical for replicating and scaling up these successful initiatives. Green economy strategies tend to focus on the sectors of energy, transport. A green economy is a clean, environmentally friendly economy that promotes health, wealth, and wellbeing. Additions suggested by croatia communication of the eu on 5 november. We work to minimize the environmental causes and consequences of crises. Delivering the green economy through financial policy.
Iucn and unep have jointly prepared a publication entitled pastoralism and the green economy. Producing a green economy report and related research materials, which will analyse the macroeconomic, sustainability and poverty reduction implications of green investment in a range of sectors from renewable energy to sustainable agriculture, and providing guidance. A transformation to address multiple crises and provides a common reference. The united nations environment programme unep defines the green economy as one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks. Comprising 14 chapters on amongst others agriculture, forests, manufacturing, transport and waste, the ger sets out a macroeconomic case for increasing public and private investments in the green sectors, with a special focus on employment. Green economy in a blue world united nations environment.
Defining a green economy a green economy can be defined as one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Objectives of a global green new deal relating to employment revive the world economy, create new and decent jobs, and protect the vulnerable reduce carbon dependency, ecosystem degradation, and water scarcity eliminate persistent poverty by 2025. In addition to or sometimes interchangeably with green economy, the term green growth is often used. It defines a green economy as one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.
Algeriaalso recommends mentioning, in one of the resolutions, the support to the. Annual report 2011 united nations environment programme. Algeria suggests quoting the term green economy in the preambular part as it is recalled afterwards communication by algeria on 6 november. G20reaffirmed commitment to move toward greener, more sustainable growthsept 2009. The green economy coalition gec brings together environment, development, trade union, consumer and business sectors from the north and south. In essence, it is possible to combine the need for development, and at the same time respect the limit of the local, regional, and global environmental systems. Unep would like to thank the european union for its generous support to the green economy initiative.
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