Abstract
The transition towards a Green Economy is a critical human response to the imminent threat of climate change, driven primarily by anthropogenic global warming. This paper explores the multifaceted aspects of Green Economy, encompassing sustainable development and economic growth that mitigates environmental degradation. The concept is grounded in the UNEP definition of a Green Economy, emphasizing improved human well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risks. Key areas include renewable energy, sustainable transport, green building, water and waste management, and land management. Measurement of progress towards a Green Economy is examined through various indices like the Global Green Economy Index (GGEI) and methodologies proposed by OECD. The challenges faced by developing countries in monitoring and achieving Green Growth are discussed, highlighting the need for enhanced statistical capacities and integrated policy frameworks. Policies for transitioning to Green Economic Growth are analyzed, with a focus on developing countries and strategic sectors. The paper also delves into specific policy instruments such as environmental labeling, green subsidies, payments for ecosystem services, environmental taxes, and promotion of green energy investments. Additionally, it discusses strategic trade policies and innovation indicators, using China as a case study to illustrate the potential benefits and challenges. The conclusion underscores the necessity of harmonizing economic growth with sustainability, advocating for a model where Green Economic Growth serves as both a driver of economic development and a solution to environmental challenges. This holistic approach is essential to prevent economic regress and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Keywords
- Green Economy
- Global Green Economy Index (GGEI)
- Environmental Policy
- Strategic Trade Policy
References
- United Nations Environment Programme. (2011). Towards a green economy: Pathways to sustainable development and poverty eradication. UNEP.
- International Chamber of Commerce. (2012). Green economy roadmap: A guide for business, policymakers and society. ICC.
- Bowen, A., & Stern, N. (2010). Environmental policy and the economic downturn. Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 26(2), 137-163.
- Barbier, E. B. (2010). How is the global green new deal going? Nature, 464(7289), 832-833.
- Runnals, D. (2011.). Green economy. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_economy
- Burkart, K. (2012). What is a green economy? Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_economy
- Green Score City Index. (2016–2022). Various publications.
- Dual Citizen LLC. (2017). Global green economy index. Retrieved from https://dualcitizeninc.com/global-green-economy-index
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2011b). Towards green growth: Monitoring progress. OECD Publishing.
- PARIS21. (2016). Modernisation of the Barbados Statistical Service Project (MBSS). National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS). Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century.
- Brundtland Commission. (1987). Our common future. Oxford University Press.
- World Bank. Public environmental expenditure review (PEER). Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/environment/brief/public-environmental-expenditure-reviews-peers
- European Union. (2017) Strategic environmental assessment (SEA). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/sea-legalcontext.htm
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Energy Star program. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov
- Worldometer. (2023). World Population by Country. Retrieved from https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/
- Hidalgo, C. A., Klinger, B., Barabási, A. L., & Hausmann, R. (2007). The product space conditions the development of nations. Science, 317(5837), 482-487.
- Dechezleprêtre, A., Glachant, M., & Ménière, Y. (2011). What drives the international transfer of climate change mitigation technologies? Empirical evidence from patent data. Environmental and Resource Economics, 50(2), 205-233.
- Aghion, P., Dechezleprêtre, A., Hemous, D., Martin, R., & Van Reenen, J. (2012). Carbon taxes, path dependency, and directed technical change: Evidence from the auto industry. Journal of Political Economy, 124(1), 1-51.
- Coady, D., Parry, I., Sears, L., & Shang, B. (2015). How large are global energy subsidies? International Monetary Fund Working Paper, WP/15/105.
- Bowen, A., & Kuralbayeva, K. (2015). Looking for green jobs: The impact of green growth on employment. Global Green Growth Institute.
- Aghion, P., Hemous, D., & Kharroubi, E. (2014). Cyclical fiscal policy, credit constraints, and industry growth. Journal of Monetary Economics, 62, 41-58.
- Blackman, A. (2006). Economic incentives to control water pollution in developing countries: How well has Colombia's wastewater discharge fee program worked and why? Resources for the Future Discussion Paper 06-31.
- WAVES. (2015). Wealth accounting and the valuation of ecosystem services. World Bank. Retrieved from https://www.wavespartnership.org