Page 128 - Computer - 9(A&B)

Session 2

Describe the Importance of Green Economy and Green Skills

Introduction

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defi nes a green economy as an economy that works
towards reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and aims at sustainable development
without degrading the environment. Simply, we can say that a green economy can be thought of as one
which is low-carbon growth, resource effi cient and socially inclusive. This is called sustainable development.

Green Economy

Green economy is an economy that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. It aims for
sustainable development without degrading the environment. The 2011 UNEP Green Economy Report suggests
that to be called green, an economy must not only be effi cient but also fair.
Green economy can be seen as the means to achieve better quality of life on this planet by balancing environmental,
economic and social elements. It leads to sustainable development which fulfi lls the needs of the present
generation without exhausting the resources for future generations.
Over the past few decades, many scientifi c studies have highlighted the problems of environmental degradation
and climate change. As a result, the concept of green economy has become a global agenda. Some important
global events focusing on green economy include:
 1972 Stockholm Conference  1992 Earth Summit and Agenda 21
 1987 Brundtland Report  2012 Rio+20 Conference
The green economy was the central theme of the United Nations conference on Sustainable Development
(Rio+20) held in Rio in June 2012. Based on the conference, here are ten interrelated principles that cover key
dimensions of green economy for a green planet.
 Green Buildings: Construction of buildings has always been a big sector of any economy. But, it takes
a large toll on global resources and climate. Green buildings deal with things like alternative energy
panelling, waste management, earth-friendly products and water effi ciency during construction and after
construction.
 Sustainable Agriculture: Every agricultural land needs to be profi table and sustainable through proper
management. It can only happen through organic agriculture. When we grow our own veggies, eat in-
season and shop from local farmers’ markets, we send a message to producers that we support Green
Economy for agriculture.

 Fisheries: Overfi shing in many parts of the world threatens to deplete future fi sh stocks. This can be
avoided by promoting sustainable fi shing practices.

 Renewable Energy or Green Energy: The current mainstream renewable energy sources are oil, coal, gas
etc. that are not only harmful to health but also to the environment. We can help to build a Green Economy
by supporting clean, sustainable energy sources like hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal, waste and
biomass gases.
 Green Forestry: Deforestation accounts for close to 20% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. When
we support certifi ed sustainable forest products, we support a healthy environment and sustainable
livelihoods. This is a practice of regulating forest resources to meet the needs of society and industry while
preserving the forest’s climate.

 Green Tourism: Tourism can be great for local economies but not if it results in negative environmental and
social impacts. Eco-tourism is a form of responsible travel to natural areas which conserve the environment

110
110