Comments due by Feb. 7, 2015
The concept of Green Economy is not entirely a new concept. It was first mooted by the London Environmental Economics Centre1 (LEEC) in a publication (Blueprint for a Sustainable Economy) in 1989 authored by David Pearce, Anil Markandya, and Ed Barbier. However, at that time the concept did not receive wide acceptance. With the outbreak of the financial crisis in 2007 and the failure of most countries to move onto a sustainable development path, it has become evidently clear that the current development paradigm is not yielding the desired outcomes on all fronts economic, social, and environmental. Efforts to transition to a sustainable development path and realize the objectives of Agenda 21 have been very modest. A number of reasons appear to have constrained this transition to take place. One of the reasons for lack of significant progress has been inability to clearly make the business case for investing in the environment. In order to encourage policy and decision makers to invest in the environment, they need to be convinced that such a transition would result in economic benefits as well. These benefits include additional jobs generated, increased output, creation of new market niches and increased trade, and a positive impact on GDP. It is therefore essential to demonstrate that there is a clear relationship between investing in the environment, socioeconomic and sustainable development. Since human welfare should be the ultimate goal for any development strategy, a well-designed sustainable development strategy should result in poverty eradication. Green Economy could be viewed as an approach that emphasizes these linkages. It could therefore be considered as a tool or vehicle that facilitates the transition to sustainable development. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines the Green Economy as “one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities” (2010). Another more elaborate definition of green economy is: "The Green Economy is one in which the vital linkages among the economy, society, and environment are taken into account and in which the transformation of production processes, and consumption patterns, while contributing to a reduced waste, pollution, and the efficient use of resources, materials, and energy, will revitalize and diversify economies, create decent employment opportunities, promote sustainable trade, reduce poverty, and improve equity and income distribution." The following section will attempt to outline the main elements inherent in a Green Economy. Environment can no longer be treated in isolation from mainstream economic policy. Though integrating environment in macroeconomic policies has been long called for even as far back as the Brundtland Commission, efforts have been modest to achieve this goal. In most instances, the environment continues to be addressed as a separate component without clear linkages to the social and economic aspects. Integrated policymaking remains to be an approach yet to be adopted as the main framework for policy formulation and implementation. Lack of an integrated approach to policy formulation and implementation is therefore one of the main reasons for failing to achieve sustainable development. A Green Economy approach advocates the adoption of integrated policymaking. Adopting an ecosystem approach rather than dealing with different environmental biomes such as deserts, forests, and aquatic life as separate and isolated components of the environment. Adopting an ecosystem approach enables a better understanding and appreciation of the fact that the different biomes function as part of an integrated whole i.e. part of an ecosystem. Adopting such an approach ensures a clearer understanding of the linkages and interdependencies between the different biomes. It consequently results in a better management of the ecosystem and the services it provides. Following an integrated approach in dealing with the three sustainability dimensions and in dealing with the environment as an ecosystem enables us to better communicate the relationship between investing in the environment and the resulting positive social and development outcomes. It therefore provides a strong message to policy and decision makers of the necessity of integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations in framing policies. Advocating the environment in isolation from economic and social objectives have in the past failed to deliver this strong message, which has resulted in considering the environment as a constraint or a liability rather than as an opportunity. Adopting a Green Economy approach highlights these interrelationships thus making a strong case for the transition. Adopting a participatory approach involving relevant stakeholders in policymaking is key in policy development and implementation. It ensures that policies reflect the concerns and priorities of the public, particularly the target group and affected communities. It also ensures the support and contribution of the general public and local communities in the implementation of proposed policies, plans, and programmes. Involvement of relevant stakeholders in policy formulation provides a better chance for the implementation and success of the proposed policies. Public participation should ensure the participation of women, youth, people with special needs, and marginalized communities. Adopting a participatory approach is particularly important in countries with a centralized decision making process. Ensuring inter- and intra-generational equity and poverty reduction is one of the main underlying principles of Green Economy. Designed policies should in the first instance ensure that the interests of the poor and marginalized communities are catered for. It should ensure that wealth generated should trickle down to the poorer segments of the population and that there is an equitable distribution of wealth between the current generation. It should also ensure that development activities now do not comprise the welfare of future generations. Green Economy advocates good governance as an essential prerequisite for achieving sustainable development. In order to encourage local and foreign investment, it is essential to have a stable and predictable macroeconomic environment. Such an environment will also need to be transparent and accountable. In the absence of a good and strong governance structure, the likelihood of moving onto a sustainable development path would be meager. Efficient institutions and governance structures are critical in ensuring the effective implementation of policies, plans, and programmes. Transitioning to a Green Economy requires a new mindset of doing business. It also requires a new caliber of skilled labour and professionals that can work across sectors, and able to work as part of multi-disciplinary teams. Transitioning into a Green Economy requires preparing these calibers through training and formal education. In order to achieve this objective, vocational training packages should be developed with focus on greening the sectors. The education system also needs to be reviewed to integrate the environmental and social considerations in the various disciplines. Investing in research, technology development, innovation, and the continuous enhancement of knowledge are essential for transitioning to a Green Economy. Countries that have allocated sufficient resources and invested heavily in research and development are countries that have managed to accelerate the pace of their economic growth. However, there is a need to clearly identify areas of research to be in line with and support sustainable development objectives. Research and technology innovation efforts need to be directed towards resource efficiency, and areas such as wastewater treatment and desalination, renewable energy, solid waste recycling and recovery, green construction and buildings, and environmentally friendly equipment and industrial technologies. In many instances government policies lack a comprehensive and holistic response to policy formulation and implementation. A suite of measures and actions are needed to achieve the goals and objectives of specific policies. These need to be designed in a complementary and supportive manner. For instance, market incentives should be designed to support regulatory measures. In many instances policy tools are designed independently and may be in contradiction to one another. Coherence and supportiveness of the different policy tools and measures should be maintained in order to support the realization of policy objectives. Subsidies for fossil fuel, for example, apart from being a burden on government budgets promote the inefficient allocation and excessive use of fossil fuel. Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies will release funds to support investment in renewable energy. Such policies may be supported by regulatory emission standards. The importance of political economy concerns should not be underestimated. Change may either be slow coming or even obstructed by those who believe that their interests may be compromised. Those may be politicians in high places and owners of large businesses and corporations. It is therefore important that when policies are formulated those who are likely to oppose change are identified and measures taken to address the hurdles they may create in the face of change. The role of the private sector in transitioning to a Green Economy and achieving sustainable development cannot be over emphasized. Constraints impeding the active involvement and contribution of civil society towards a transition to a Green Economy should be removed. Civil society being more familiar with realities on the ground, working closely with local communities, more familiar with their needs and priorities, and increased capabilities to operate on the ground can contribute effectively to achieving sustainable development objectives. Moreover, public-private-partnership consolidates efforts and enhances the potential for realizing sustainable development objectives. The financial sector both public and private should be encouraged to support financing projects and activities that contribute to sustainable development. Governments should ensure that funding provided by Central or Federal banks support government policies in pursuit of sustainable development objectives. Commercial banks should also be encouraged to support sustainable development projects through regulatory and incentive measures. Appropriate measures should be introduced to discourage banks from providing loans that encourage land speculation, or the funding of environmentally damaging and polluting activities. Governments spend large amounts of funding on its public service operations and activities. By greening its procurement, governments can demonstrate leadership and set the example for environmentally sound practices. On the physical side, this includes greening the construction of government offices, schools, hospitals, post offices, and other public buildings. Other green expenditures, include the purchase of environment-friendly office equipment and material. Greening its transport services for its employees would for example include providing buses run by natural gas or electricity, and providing incentives for government staff to use public transport and other means such as pooling and cycling. Trade policy if well formulated can be an effective tool in supporting the transition to a Green Economy. A well-designed trade policy can encourage investment in environmental goods and services, and technologies to satisfy the local market and for export. It can also encourage access to foreign environmental technologies. This can be achieved through regulations, and an incentive and tariff system that facilities access to environmental technologies. It should be emphasized that there is no one size fits all approach to sustainable development. The manner in which countries are prepared to use the Green Economy tool or vehicle for achieving sustainable development is up to countries to frame and design. This will have to be based on the pace at which countries are prepared to make the transition, their priorities, socioeconomic circumstances, and capacities. What are important are the political commitment and the will to shift to a sustainable development path. The review, selection and documentation of these articles emerged in response to the need to fill the knowledge gap on practical, concrete, and on the ground green economy country experience. It is in this spirit that the articles and excerpts included in this publication have been selected: to provide information and knowledge for policy and decision makers and practitioners on the positive implications of greening some priority sectors, including job creation, resource efficiency, and generally contribution to sustainable development.through an extensive review of scientific publications and magazines.
Hussein Abaza
In the study of Green Economics, we can also take into account what’s being done in Environmental Law as its in this field that discussions can be made towards ozone depletion, climate change, water pollution, recycling, smog alerts, international trade, and the conservation of our wildlife. For countries or just certain states to transition into a green economy with the challenges of Environmental laws can take a critical influence on communities and their way of life. It would be tremendously difficult for communities in the transition, especially those who count on polluting energy sources, but in time it will become a normal way of life and the quality of life will be better for future generations.
ReplyDeleteI believe that in time we will see a great change towards a green economy as we've seen progressive political changes such as the United Nations Development Program joining forces with the UN-led partners in green economy to help bring new resources and opportunity to countries who are looking to shift towards a more green economy.
Poll after poll taken in the United States shows that 80% of Americans believe that environmental protection should be a high government priority. With this high percent of support, a greener economy should be at easy reach, but there are many issues towards new tariffs and regulations such as finding the needed funds in budgets and encouraging local and international spending towards such a cause.
Marc Matalani
It is good to study Green Economics because it improves mu perspective on economy differently. We can see environmental law in detail thanks to this course. There are important issues regarding ozone depletion, water pollution, climate change, international trade, wildlife and recycling. It is important for some countries make a transition to green economics by considering the challenges of environmental law. It will make a different impact on the lives of countries. The communities in transition may have difficulty and there are the ones who depend on polluting energy sources and I predict that it will be something normal for everyone and more qualified life will be possible for young generations as people make a step for green economics. The issues regarding green economics will change and improve as the time goes by. There are developments regarding UN development program. UN partners join in green economy to bring new resources and opportunity to countries which look for changes for greener economy.
ReplyDeleteGovernments can show leadership and they can apply to environmentally sound practices. There may be need for greening the construction of government offices, hospitals, schools and post offices. There may be purchase of environmentally efficient office equipment and there may be busses working with electricity or natural gas. Important steps can be achieved with green economy but we need efforts of governments.
UNEP describes a green economy as an economy that results in, “improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities” (UNEP 2010). It is important for companies and organizations to acknowledge and utilize the resources that our planet provides naturally. Preserving and utilizing these resources can determine how the economy and the environment can grow and develop.
ReplyDeleteGreen economics has become part of the international policy agenda, which is important in creating a credible and important role in the development in our economy.
The most important aspect of a green economy is the role that it plays to eradicate poverty. A lot of countries depend on the natural resources provided by the environment. A green economy will not completely and immediately solve the social issues of poverty. It is important to understand the goals of the UN to promote organic agriculture in low-income countries. These goals will not fully eradicate poverty but work towards a smaller population of countries with high percentages of poverty.
Green Economics is a concept I am still not familiar with, but after reading this blog it give me a sense and a position in how I look and understand the meaning of Green Economics. Green economics is a way of looking at Economy as an improvement through problems in our environment as water pollution, climate changes, and many others. In many aspects Green Economics being applied in countries can make big positive changes and make the people to have different type of lives. In one way, we can see how green economics can decrease unemployment by creating companies in charge of helping the environment with an specific purpose.
ReplyDeleteI another way some communities having the transition to green economics can by affected depending on how their resources are gained and through which steps. Governments and states should began to apply green economics into hour life to make an efficient use of our resources; by creating companies, and more greener utilities.
More of environmental efficiency in our countries around the world.
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ReplyDeleteThe Green Economy is an amazing approach towards economic, environmental and human growth. Using the public and private sectors and also government action to help reduce the further depletion of environmental resources, while also encouraging investments to further growth will "expedite" the implementation of the Green Economy. Obtaining the support of large companies and major private companies will provide much needed capital to contribute to sustainable development. The support of governments will set standards to reduce the amount of fossil fuels with the reduction of fossil fuel subsidiaries. Governments will also encourage public and private sectors to support environmental growth and green initiatives.
ReplyDeleteTo aid the implementation of the green economy, The Green Economy Initiative was started in 2008 and "set three activities to provide the analysis and policy support for investing in green sectors and in greening environmentally unfriendly sectors." (UNEP. "What is the Green Economy Initiative?") The first activity is to provide the Green Economy Report, which will analyze the macroeconomic, sustainability and poverty reduction implications of green investment in a range of sectors. Second, to provide advisory services to guide certain countries to a green economy. Third, to engage in a wide range of research, non-governmental organizations, business and UN partners in implementing the Green Economy Initiative. With the help of the Green Economy Initiative we get that much closer to a sustainable environment and economy.
The development of a Green Economy must come after the assessment of the "pace" in which the specific areas are preparing to make environmentally beneficial changes. The above post highlights the importance of carrying out the efforts of Agenda 21 as a unified effort. All sections of the economy must politically commit themselves to the shift towards a sustainable development path.
DeleteThe idea of a return on investments made in the economy is not easily accepted by large businesses. Knowledge of the investment gains in areas such as GDP, the job market, increased output etc. is essential in order to stress the importance of these types of investments. The impact on the welfare of civilians would be tremendous, even possibly resulting in poverty eradication, according to the UNEP (UNEP. "What is the Green Economy Initiative?").
The results of these efforts would generate a more accountable economic system. Encouraging large businesses to take part in the investment in sustainability will leave less room for the depreciation of the welfare of people. Therefore, much importance lies in the participation of business providing stakeholders. We have a greater effect on changing economic policy with the involvement of such stakeholders and their respective political party's efforts.
If it were 1989, the article’s elaborate definition of “Green Economy in which the vital linkages among the economy, society, and environment are taken into account and in which the transformation of production processes, and consumption pattern, while contributing to a reduced waste, pollution, and the efficient use of resources, materials and energy, will revitalize and diversify economies, create decent employment opportunities, promote sustainable trade, reduce poverty, and improve equity and income distribution,” in my opinion, would have been purely idealistic. However, the United Nations Environment Programme (“UNEP”), has, unbelievably so, implemented some of the Green Economy transformation. Ten years ago I visited Epcot at Disney World with my two daughters, who at the time were in their early teens, where electrical and water operated automobiles were on display as “Items of the Future.” I remember thinking – “that’ll be the day.” To my surprise, that day has arrived! Electric vehicles are up and running in our own hometown – Manhattan. Initiatives such as “Citibikes” and “Capital Bike Share” programs in metropolitan areas are also major corporate contributors to our Green Economy. The idea of renting a bike on a street corner to get to the other side of town is genius. These transitional implementations are small examples and also form part of UNEP’s Green Economy definition. These efficient achievements can be implemented in other countries and/or economies to extend the use, even if it’s on a small scale, the use of renewable resources.
ReplyDelete“Human welfare should be the ultimate goal for any development strategy” is indeed a true statement. Unfortunately, political leaders, influential corporate leaders, non-for-profit and profit organizations, on an overall scale, always seek to acquire monetary gain from any investment participation. I, therefore, do agree that through the creation of new policies, governmental funds and philanthropic participation, a sustainable economy is achievable.
Many times our society works in ways of deduction. We are great at breaking things down and understand there different parts; what we often fail to see - and what green economics begins to emphasize - are these links that connect our society and human civil action as a whole. Green economics combines our perspective of economy, social forces, and environment into one paradigm. This paradigm will be essential to humanity's well being as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThe green economy is successful when the civil needs of society (as provided through economic services) is parallel and within the natural capabilities of our environment. The conservation of natural capital, the localized government and food sources, the prevention of environmental injustices, and many others are themes that would define a green economy. Currently, we have failed in our attempts to do these things, as written out in international agreements and discussion (UNEP.)
There are a plethora of reasons why we have failed in the past; lack of economic motivation and civil activism are just some of them. With the education of the public (with classes such as this), with more economic pressure (perhaps in the battle for income equality), and finally with wake of environmental catastrophe, the transition to a green economy will surely be in our future.
This article gives a clear and detailed explanation of green economy. Green economy is definitely the next needed economic strategy which can help increase of the unity in many nations. There are more positive effects than negative. This will increase economic growth, stability, and positive environmental changes. Clearly, this does not mean it's an easy task. Political and social commitment is needed in order for the green economy development.
ReplyDeleteOne of the first steps need to be taken by the government and companies that have more influence on people. "Governments should ensure that funding provided by Central or Federal banks support government policies in pursuit of sustainable development objectives. Commercial banks should also be encouraged to support sustainable development projects through regulatory and incentive measures." This will help people see the importance in green economy and finally take a personal stand. With this nations worldwide will be able to see green economy as one of their future goals.
I apologize for the delay as I reviewed the syllabus and there was no mention of a blog posting for the first week. Nonetheless, this is my response:
ReplyDeleteThis article definitely gave a very interesting position regarding a green economy. I feel that a green economy is generally something viewed as unattainable, however, Hussein Abaza's take on this shows that it is possible.
When Abaza mentioned, in order to encourage policy and decision makers to invest in the environment, they need to be convinced that such a transition would result in economic benefits, this is a very important. The reason is because, ultimately, people should know how their investment will contribute to the cause before they participate in it. Advantages such as additional jobs generated, increased output, creation of new market niches and increased trade, and a positive impact on GDP should be highlighted. The same goes for research and technology innovation efforts that need to be directed towards resource efficiency, renewable energy, solid waste recycling and recovery, green construction and buildings, and environmentally friendly equipment and industrial technologies. Knowing exactly how their contribution will make a difference may start moving these decision makers towards the right direction.
I was already somewhat familiar with the concept of Green Economics, but definitely have a much better understanding on it's ideas and goals after reading this. Personally, I believe that the environment should have always been, and needs to be integrated with the economy, but sadly feel it may be too far gone.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a society where money is almost always more important than anything, and we expect immediate results. These two things have, and I believe always will keep the idea of Green Economy from truly flourishing. We would essentially need to take a loss before we reap the rewards and benefits. In order to achieve this idea it will require a huge investment but will not see immediate results. This would take decades and decades to transition and billions of dollars.
I do believe though that "going green" and a more healthy environment and lifestyle in general has become more popular than ever, and we are slowly chipping away at the issue. It's sad to me though that at 32 years old, I am just really hearing about this concept and these issues to this extent, and was never taught this in my earlier years of school. If these issues were taught at a younger age more people would be aware of the issues and ways to help the environment and grow up making this more of a priority and option.
I'd love to see our country take better care of itself and fight for a healthier environment, and feel like in the end, it would boost our economy in a huge way. Hopefully the government will recognize the link between the two. It won't happen overnight, but maybe we can prioritize and shift to a greener society slowly but surely.
Darius Lisman
The study of green economics remains significant specifically in this day and age due to our deteriorating environment. As the article clearly indicates it took a long time for green economics to progress is because one cant make a clear business case for investing in the environment. Those focused solely on currency must realize that investing in the environment is something that is beneficial to all parties involved.
ReplyDeleteJobs are created for the unemployed, which creates spending because more money is being made. In most instances the government would withhold from increasing taxes so most people can have more money to spend and put back into the economy. With the importance of green economics being made known by society, the government wont has to worry about raising taxes and can simply create more jobs for people who want to stabilize the environment.
Personally, I believe the steps we’ve taken too the awareness of how important green economics is, I believe the push for a better environment is clearly upon us. As people will realize over time, the environment has become man-made and only we can combat the issues of environmental risks.
It is very important to study Green Economics because it can not only change our economy, but it can drastically improve the world for the better. The use of pesticides, climate change, water pollution, wildlife and recycling are all extremely important topics that need to be better understood and solutions presented for the good (and survival of the world).
ReplyDeleteSome countries have been extremely effected for the worse because the world has not found a good or renewable way to tackle some of the problems these places face. Water is a good example of this - many third world countries around the world face extreme draughts, where millions of people can't get access to clean water. Because of this they consume dirty water which kills them.
The UN development is working to bring new resources, plans and opportunities to many countries that need desperate change. In a more macro view, our whole universe is working to transition to better tactics to preserve our earth for the long run. Switching to renewable energy and recycling more are good steps forward.
Green Economy relates to investment environment, social economy and sustainable development. Green Economic pursuits balance among natural, economic, and social interactions. To realize rapid economic, stable and order social, ecological coordination between human and sustainable development of human. The development of green economy can not only respond to climate change, and promote energy conservation and emissions energy reduction, but also can make full use of resources, expand the market demand, improve the new jobs; it is the best way of protection of the environment sustainable development. I think it is need to draft Green Economic laws. Through construct a complete legal system of Green Economic, in the form of laws to the implement of ecological economy, laws specifically regulate the subjects’ behaviors of Green Economic, the obligation and responsibility in the development of Green Economic, postulate them consume and product by the way of Green Economic. Through legislation to promote the healthy development of the green economy, using laws to clearly define counties, governments, enterprises and the public need to undertake the responsibility, obligation, and rights and interests in the development of Green Economic, laws are the inevitable choice of the current development of Green Economic, are the barrier to protect ecological civilization, and to achieve the development of Green Economic.
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