Insights Blog

Julia Wandke, GIZ, argues for a green economy transformation for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa by presenting the economic, social and ecological benefits of such a transformation.

An Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) is a tool for delivering sustainable development and a response to three sets of challenges facing humanity: persistent poverty, inequitable sharing of the growing prosperity, and overstepped planetary boundaries. How does this tool work?

The IGE contributes to the overarching goal of poverty eradication and shared prosperity by safeguarding planetary boundaries, some of which -  climate, freshwater, ocean, and land, for example - are mirrored in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the UN Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2015. The planetary boundaries are, however, not to be taken passively in an IGE; they should serve as drivers for innovative solutions that not only respect ecological thresholds but also contribute to reduced poverty and shared prosperity. In Africa, for example, where more than 600 million people lack access to affordable and reliable energy, off-grid renewable energy technologies are generating health care, education and economic opportunities while avoiding carbon emissions, all important components of SDGs.

Simon Zadek, UNEP Financial Inquiry, explores 2016 as 'The year of Green Finance' and how to we can make it happen, sooner rather than later.

Brigitte Knopf, Secretary General of the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, discusses opportunities for carbon pricing in the followup to the Paris Agreement.

Sirini Withana, UNEP, discusses the next steps policy-makers need to make post Paris Agreement, such as the challenging task of putting in place concrete actions to support the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and inclusive green economy.

Najib Saab, Arab Forum for Environment and Development, discusses the recent climate talks in Paris and its impact on the Arab world.

In this "Insights" blog post, Professor Edgar Hertwich discusses the new International Resource Panel "Green Energy Choices" report.

Joy Kim, UNEP, discusses COP21, the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDCs), in which governments set out planned actions to reduce GHG emissions prior to the Paris summit.

Jehan Sauvage, OECD, discusses the OECD’s Inventory of Support Measures for Fossil Fuels report,

Simon Zadek, UNEP Inquiry, discusses the need to finance sustainable development and how this is understood through the lens of national development priorities or the need for international action in addressing global challenges such as climate change.