A new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) study launched at the Global Ministerial Environment Forum in Nairobi today debunks several pervasive myths that are standing in the way of green economies globally.
The Green Economy Report contains empirical analysis and real-world examples from a team of international experts and institutions from both developed and developing countries.
The team, part of the Green Economy Initiative of the UNEP, examined a wide-range of sectors including agriculture, cities, buildings, fisheries, forests, industry, renewable energy, transport, waste management and water.
Findings from the study will be used to guide talks at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development to be held in Rio in 2012.
The report’s distinguishing feature is that it recognises natural capital in addition to human capital and financial capital, according to the head of the UNEP’s Green Economy Initiative Pavan Sukhdev.
The report concludes there is no trade-off between economic growth or social development and environmental sustainability. The false perception of this trade-off is a common factor that inhibits forward progress on environmental policies.
The authors state that strategic investment of two percent of global GDP, or $1.3 trillion, can lead to job creation and a healthy economy that is resource-efficient and low-carbon. Nearly that amount is spent currently on unsustainable subsidies in areas such as fossil fuels, pesticides, water and fisheries.
Using the report model, a green economy surpasses the expected business-as-usual annual growth rates in only 5-10 years. Such an economic model has the added benefit of avoiding risks associated with climate change, fossil fuel dependence, pollution and scarcities of food and water.
Mr Sukhdev also refuted the myth that a green economy is a luxury suitable only for the developed world. Most examples used in the study were from the developing world, he said.
Eliminating waste and increasing efficiency are crucial parts of a green economy for all countries. In the agricultural sector, for example, investments in more efficient and sustainable farming practices would increase global yields, improve soil fertility, reduce food waste and raise available nutrition levels.
The UNEP called on governments and decision-makers world-wide to take immediate steps in the transition to a green economy. Recommendations included eliminating harmful subsidies and inefficiencies, increasing international partnerships and investing in clean technology.
The following investments were proposed for each sector:
• $108 billion for greening agriculture, including on small-holder farms.
• $134 billion in greening the building sector by improving energy efficiency.
• Over $360 billion in greening energy supply.
• Close to $110 billion for greening fisheries, including reducing the capacity of the world’s fleets.
• $15 billion in greening forestry with important knock-on benefits for combating climate change.
• Over $75 billion in greening industry, including manufacturing.
• Close to $135 billion on greening the tourism sector.
• Over $190 billion on greening transport.
• Nearly $110 billion on waste, including recycling.
• A similar amount on the water sector, including addressing sanitation.
Executive director of the UNEP Achim Steiner called for increased international cooperation and technology sharing. Addressing his Kenyan hosts, he said, “There is no reason why (Africa) should have to wait any longer for the latest technology.”
