Green Economy
Celebrated
annually on 5 June, World Environment Day aims
at creating worldwide awareness and encourages political attention and action
on environmental issues. World Environment Day
thematic celebrations have in the past included caring for the earth and water, ozone layer, climate change, desertification
and sustainable development, etc.
World Environment Day was founded by the UN in 1972 to mark
the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. 2012 marks
the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Environment Programme and also of
World Environment Day (WED), and 20 years since the first UN Conference on
Sustainable Development (Earth Summit) in
Why
Celebrate World Environment Day?
When we see or experience the negative
effects of climate change and environmental degradation, it is easy to blame
others - for not prioritizing environmental policy; corporate organizations for
raising issues like greenhouse gas emissions; NGOs for not lobbying strongly
enough for the environment; and individuals for not taking action. World
Environment Day however is a day we put aside our differences and instead
celebrate the achievements we've made towards protecting the environment.
By celebrating World Environment Day, we
remind ourselves and others of the importance of caring for our environment. World
Environment Day is celebrated around the world in many ways, including street rallies,
bicycle parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree
planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns and much more. The 2012 theme
for World Environment Day is Green Economy: Does it include you?
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 ecosystems. If the Green Economy is about social equity and
inclusiveness, then, technically it is all about us.
The Green Economy touches almost every
aspect of our lives and concerns our development. It is about sustainable
energy, green jobs, low carbon economies, green policies, green buildings,
agriculture, fisheries, forestry, industry, energy efficiency, sustainable
tourism, sustainable transport, waste management, water efficiency and all
other resource efficiency. These are all elements involved in the successful
implementation of a green economy.
The world today is facing a mounting crisis
and in recent years we have experienced a combination of a global financial
crisis, a food crisis, volatile oil prices, degradation of ecosystem and an
unprecedented climate changes.
These inter-related crises challenge the ability of human population to live peacefully and
sustainably on this planet, and demand urgent attention of governments and
citizens around the world. More
importantly, as countries across the globe emerge from deep economic recession,
it emphasizes the need for a Green Economy that addresses social equity.
What can be done?
Buildings
Construction
and buildings take a large toll on resources and climate. Energy audit can
reduce your building's climate footprint and lead to significant savings in
energy costs.
Fisheries
Overfishing
in many parts of the world threatens to deplete future fish stocks. We can
avoid this by working to promote sustainable fishing practices. Choose
sustainably harvested seafood.
Forestry
Deforestation accounts for close to 20%
of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainably managed forests can
continue to support communities and ecosystems without damaging environment and
climate. Use electronic files to reduce your demand for paper products. When
you support certified sustainable forest products, you support a healthy
environment and sustainable livelihoods.
Transport
Riding
alone in your car isn't just environmentally and economically inefficient, it's
lonely! Car-pooling or taking public transport reduces environmental impacts
and economic costs while strengthening community. Walking or riding a bike for
short trips is good for your health - and the environment's, too! When you
choose alternative transportation methods, you support a Green Economy in the
transport sector.
Water
Billions of people worldwide lack access
to clean drinking water or improved sanitation services - and population growth
will worsen the problem. Taking small steps towards wise water use can help
conserve this precious resource. Turn off the tap when you're not using it,
wait until you have a full load to run your washing machine, limit shower time,
and don't water your lawn right after a rain. Resource efficiency is key to a
Green Economy and water is one of our most important resources.
Agriculture
The
world’s population stands at 7 billion and may rise to more than 9 billion by
2050. This means greater
pressure on already crowded cities – where more than half of all people now
live – and on natural resources, as demand for food, water and energy rises. It's
time to support sustainable agriculture to ensure our ability to feed everyone.
Grow your own vegetables, and shop at local farmers' markets. When you buy
local, organic, and sustainable food products, you send a message to producers
that you support a Green Economy for agriculture.
Energy
The current mainstream energy sources -
oil, coal, gas, etc. - are not only harmful to health and environment; they're
not sustainable in a world of growing energy needs. You can support the
development of clean, renewable energy by choosing businesses and products that
invest in them - or by investing in them yourself. While we work towards a
transition to renewable energy, consider ways to improve your personal energy efficiency.
Turn off lights and unplug appliances when you are not using
them.
Waste
Recycling appropriate materials and
composting food waste reduces the demand on our natural resources.
In this significant year for the
environment and sustainable development, the world leaders will once again meet
at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development twenty years after
the historic Earth Summit in
Sustainability entails providing
opportunity for all by balancing the social, economic and environmental
dimensions of development. We have to rebut the myth that there is
conflict between economic health and environment. With right policies and
the right investments, we can protect our environment, grow our economy,
generate employment and accelerate social progress.
Moving towards a green economy has the
potential to achieve sustainable development and eradicate poverty on an
unprecedented scale, with speed and effectiveness. It requires world leaders,
civil society and industry to collaboratively work towards this transition. It
will also need a sustained effort on the part of policy makers and citizens to
rethink and redefine traditional measures of wealth, prosperity and well-being.
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