A recent United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report makes three key findings:
That going green "not only generates increases in wealth, in particular a gain in ecological commons or natural capital, but also (over a period of six years) produces a higher rate of GDP growth";
That there is "an inextricable link between poverty eradication and better maintenance and conservation of the ecological commons, arising from the benefit flows from natural capital that are received directly by the poor";
That "in the transition to a green economy, new jobs are created, which in time exceed the losses in "brown economy" jobs.
That going green "not only generates increases in wealth, in particular a gain in ecological commons or natural capital, but also (over a period of six years) produces a higher rate of GDP growth";
That there is "an inextricable link between poverty eradication and better maintenance and conservation of the ecological commons, arising from the benefit flows from natural capital that are received directly by the poor";
That "in the transition to a green economy, new jobs are created, which in time exceed the losses in "brown economy" jobs.
Economic Opportunity
Treating the environment as an externality may generate short-term profit at the expense of sustainability. Sustainable business practices, on the other hand, integrate ecological concerns with social and economic ones (i.e., the triple bottom line). Growth that depletes ecosystem services is sometimes termed "uneconomic growth" as it leads to a decline in quality of life. Minimizing such growth can provide opportunities for local businesses. For example, industrial waste can be treated as an "economic resource in the wrong place". The benefits of waste reduction include savings from disposal costs, fewer environmental penalties, and reduced liability insurance. This may lead to increased market share due to an improved public image. Energy efficiency can also increase profits by reducing costs.
Sustainability Principles
1. Reduce dependence upon fossil fuels, underground metals, and minerals;
2. Reduce dependence upon synthetic chemicals and other unnatural substances;
3. Reduce encroachment upon nature;
4. Meet human needs fairly and efficiently.
Treating the environment as an externality may generate short-term profit at the expense of sustainability. Sustainable business practices, on the other hand, integrate ecological concerns with social and economic ones (i.e., the triple bottom line). Growth that depletes ecosystem services is sometimes termed "uneconomic growth" as it leads to a decline in quality of life. Minimizing such growth can provide opportunities for local businesses. For example, industrial waste can be treated as an "economic resource in the wrong place". The benefits of waste reduction include savings from disposal costs, fewer environmental penalties, and reduced liability insurance. This may lead to increased market share due to an improved public image. Energy efficiency can also increase profits by reducing costs.
Sustainability Principles
1. Reduce dependence upon fossil fuels, underground metals, and minerals;
2. Reduce dependence upon synthetic chemicals and other unnatural substances;
3. Reduce encroachment upon nature;
4. Meet human needs fairly and efficiently.