The 2012 theme for World Environment Day is Green Economy: Does it
include you? Evidently, there are two parts to this theme and the first
tackles the subject of the Green Economy. This is where some people
shut off their minds because they find the concept of the Green Economy
a little too complex to understand.
On the contrary, the Green Economy
is really something that is applicable all around you and it is easy to
imagine how you fit in it. Visit the ‘
What is the Green Economy?’ page to read a layman’s narrative of this concept.
The UN Environment Programme defines the Green Economy as one that results in
improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. 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 ecosystem services. These investments need to be
catalyzed and supported by targeted public expenditure, policy reforms
and regulation changes.
But what does all this mean for you?
Well, this essentially what the second part of the theme is all about.
If the Green Economy is about social equity and inclusiveness then
technically it is all about you! The question therefore asks you to
find out more about the Green Economy and assess whether, in your
country, you are being included in it.
