The newest emerging buzz word in the international sustainable development scene appears to be "Green Economies". It makes me wonder...is a green economy the best solution. Is it humanities last chance? Is it necessary?
A green economy can be defined as any theory of economics by which an economy is considered to be component of the ecosystem in which it resides. UNEP defines a green economy "as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive."
A green economy can be defined as any theory of economics by which an economy is considered to be component of the ecosystem in which it resides. UNEP defines a green economy "as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive."Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon notes that “The world is still reeling from the financial and economic crisis. The path to recovery has been slow, fragile and uneven. Rising debt levels, growing inequality and social exclusion are real concerns.” Everyone can agree with this statement of the obvious. Especially if you are living in Ireland.
According to Sha Zukang "Rio+20 is humanity’s chance to commit to a transition to a green economy, to lift people out of poverty. We cannot wait another 20 years”. A “green economy as a pathway to sustainable development” stressed Sha Zukang, Secretary-General of the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development and Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and he should know. I can understand what he means when he said that “if we continue on our current path,
we will bequeath material and environmental poverty, not prosperity, to our children and grandchildren”.
But is it possible to create a “tool kit” for implementation of agreed principles? Hasn't experience shown that it isn't that simple? Hasn't time shown that political agreement is never that simple. But is it our last chance? Are humanity taking a gamble with our collective futures?
These are the questions that I constantly ask myself. We know the problems. We have the solutions. Now is a time for action. But most of us are talkers and not doers. How can we create a systematic pattern on action and reflection? How can we create a sustainable future? How can we stop killing our planet?
Green Economy UNEP: http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/Portals/88/documents/ger/GER_synthesis_en.pdf
UN Conference on Sustainable Development: http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/
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