UNEP Green Economy Initiative

UNEP Green Economy Initiative

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) has developed a working definition of 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.

Practically speaking, a green economy is one whose growth in income and employment is driven by public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. These investments need to be catalysed and supported by targeted public expenditure, policy reforms and regulation changes. This development path should maintain, enhance and, where necessary, rebuild natural capital as a critical economic asset and source of public benefits, especially for poor people whose livelihoods and security depend strongly on nature.

A website,  http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/ has been established which gives access to resources and materials. The trend for the site is more aimed at governments, NGOs and those developing policies and programmes but there is plenty of information to stimulate thoughts and ideas.