Sustainable energy is central to a green economy. This policy brief provides the framework for the discussion on energy for sustainable development. This document describes how access to modern energy services is described as a pre-requisite for economic and social development; explains how the reduction of global energy intensity and the expanded use of renewable energy are ways to the meet the growing energy demand, while mitigating carbon emissions and limiting the damage to the environment; and finally, argues the need for a renewed global effort to make energy a pillar of a Green Economy.
The world economic and social survey (WESS) provides analysis of pressing long-term social and economic development issues and discusses the positive and negative impact of corresponding policies. Even though enormous improvements in human welfare have taken place over the past two centuries, these have been unevenly distributed and have come at a lasting cost of environmental degradation. At the same time, we cannot stop the engines of growth, because economic progress is still needed in order for people in developing countries to have a decent standard of living. The 2011 edition of WESS calls for a complete transformation of technology on which human economic activity is based. The survey details new policy directions and major investments in developing and scaling up clean energy technologies, sustainable farming and forestry techniques, climate proofing of infrastructure and reducing non-biodegradable waste production.
This summary was prepared by Eldis.
The main objective of this paper is the focus on the potential for green growth and outline which policies may enhance the greening of fisheries and aquaculture through the supply chain. The starting point is a discussion of the consequences of not changing the current policies for industries with a major potential for environmental impact. Based on this, the paper discusses the potential for green growth policies. It is important to recognise that while some policies can promote win-win potentials, some policies and strategies may be conflicting.
The paper includes data on Norwegian aquaculture production.
This report is very much focused on private sector led initiatives to responding to climate change. The report is based upon the results of a survey of business leaders committed to advancing climate action, especially in ways that build the resilience of vulnerable communities in developing countries. It offers help to companies with national, regional or global reach to develop strategies for dealing with the immediate to long‐term consequences of climate change in developing countries where they have operations, supply chains, employees, or customers.
This report asks whether and how this transformation could become an economic opportunity rather than a costly burden. Could a transformation to a low-carbon energy system induce net economic growth that can ease the transition to a low carbon economy? Or must it only be a pricey impediment whose costs offer support to those who would resist change? We address three aspects of this problem:
1. What are the proper roles for markets, prices, and governments in the move to a new energy system?
2. Which policy interventions can become investments in a productive future, and which are just costs that we must bear to achieve our other policy objectives?
3. Can the shift to low-carbon, high-efficiency energy drive “green growth” and business opportunity?
This report contains 7 case studies from various countries and regions, and their strategies to shape green growth, as well as the obstacles encountered. These green growth cases cover Brazil, California, China, Colorado, Denmark, the EU, and Korea.