Browse Research

In support of its ambitious target to reduce CO2 emissions the Scottish Government is aiming to have the equivalent of 100% of Scottish electricity consumption generated from renewable sources by 2020. This is, at least in part, motivated by an expectation of subsequent employment growth in low carbon and renewable energy technologies; however there is no official data source to track employment in these areas. This has led to a variety of definitions, methodologies and alternative estimates being produced.

Costa Rica is regarded by many as an economic and environmental success story, with an admirable record of ‘green growth’—economic growth that minimizes pollution and uses and manages resources efficiently. Yet Costa Rica is also a victim of its own success: its leadership in some areas may have blinded it to its green growth gaps. As Costa Rica approaches a crossroads in its economic and environmental journey, its choices could provide the model for others to follow.

This report looks at concrete results of green growth in Costa Rica, rather than listing policies and projects. It examines the root causes of under-performance, the synergies between the country’s economy and environment and prospects for future progress in both domains. Finally it highlights the deep structural challenges to the organisation of Costa’s Rica’s economy, and it suggests some ‘quick wins’ that will propel Costa Rica towards long-term approaches to better align its economic and environmental performance.

This report is also available in Spanish, which can be downloaded here.

While South Africa is the second largest economy in Africa and has a relatively high GDP per capita, poverty, (youth) unemployment, inequality, food insecurity and environmental degradation are some of the greatest challenges faced by the country. Evidence shows that social and environmental enterprises that apply green and inclusive business models can play a significant role in addressing those challenges on the ground, and in turn, in achieving sustainable development. The National Sustainable Development Strategy highlighted the role of SMMEs, the informal sector and gender in a green economy in development. It is essential for policy makers to understand the impact of those enterprises and how their scale-up can be promoted through policy interventions. This report provides case studies in South Africa and highlights the social, economic and environmental impacts (Triple Bottom Line impacts) delivered by these enterprises, namely:

Promoting green growth requires well-designed institutions and environmental policy instruments that are effective in achieving their environmental objectives without imposing excessive burdens on the economy. There is growing recognition in OECD countries that economic instruments such as environmentally related taxes can be effective in stimulating a shift to less-damaging forms of production and consumption while providing producers and consumers with flexibility in making these adjustments. Behavioural changes stimulated by economic instruments may lead to the creation of new jobs and employment opportunities. Investments in new "cleaner" technology can be an important source of employment and business development. Where economic instruments generate revenues, the appropriate deployment of these revenues can also make a significant contribution to enhancing incomes and growth.