Is it possible to find the balance between economic growth and sustainability?
Increasing economic activity accelerates the consumption of natural resources and brings with it environmental and social problems. Building a sustainable future in the face of these problems and maintaining economic growth at the same time can be possible with a "green economy"!
The green economy is a concept that takes into account environmental and social impacts rather than focusing only on financial gains. This economic model, which includes principles such as renewable energy sources, low carbon emissions, waste reduction and fair use of natural resources, supports economic growth by taking into account not only today, but also tomorrow and future generations.
In this article, we will explore the starting point of the green economy, its basic principles and focus on understanding the balance between economic growth and sustainability and the steps that can be taken to achieve this balance.
What is the Green Economy?
Green economy is an understanding of economics that focuses on an environmentally friendly and sustainable development model and supports the view that economic growth should be accompanied by environmental and social issues.
Green growth aims to create an economic system based on sustainable and equitable management of natural resources, increased energy efficiency, reduced waste production and environmental protection.
What is the Starting Point of the Green Economy?
The main point of departure of the green economy is that it questions the tendency of traditional economic models to use natural resources unlimitedly and freely, and it questions the environmental sustainability principles. Today, many of our economic, social and environmental problems stem from uncontrolled growth.
In fact, issues such as global warming, unconscious use of natural resources, unemployment and income inequality are all linked to sustainable development. This is because for too long, development has only been considered in terms of economic aspects, so that environmental and social impacts have taken a back seat.
This is the starting point of the green economy! Considering the negative environmental and social impacts of economic growth-oriented development policies is crucial for building sustainable societies.
You may also be interested in these topics:
- Conscious Energy Consumption: Make a Difference!
- How to Increase Energy Efficiency in Your Business?
- What are the Benefits of Energy Management?
5 Principles of Green Economy
Now that we know about the green economy and its origins, let's take a closer look at the five principles of the green economy:
Welfare and Development Principle
Development, which is also at the heart of economic growth, is one of the most important features of the green economy. Its main objective is that economic development creates a common good for all people.
This principle, which covers a wide range of issues from education to transportation, sustainable living spaces to infrastructure, advocates for a more sustainable economic model.
Principle of Equality and Justice
A green economy also aims to improve social issues such as equality of opportunity and fair income distribution.
It also ensures that economic growth is strengthened over time in an inclusive manner. The concepts of equity and justice refer to equal access to all opportunities and advantages, and include broad participation in decision-making processes.
Environmental Protection Principle
An economic model that ignores natural resources and the environment puts our future at great risk. The principle of environmental protection aims to preserve the ability of future generations to meet their needs by using the resources nature provides in a sustainable way.
A greener economic model ensures the preservation of the natural order and effectively tackles the climate crisis.
Efficiency and Efficiency Principle
The green economy is circular and requires low resource use and emissions. It ensures the sustainable use of the resources provided by nature.
At the same time, it takes an effective measure against increasing waste generation due to population growth. Within the framework of efficiency in production, economic development can be achieved without environmental impact through the effective use of resources.
Good Governance Principle
An approach that focuses only on economic development can hinder social cooperation.
The principle of good governance encourages public and civil society to come together in decision-making processes, thus promoting inclusive and transparent processes. It is important for collaborative governance.
Steps to be Followed in the Green Economy Transformation Process
The Green Economy Coalition, which was established as a result of a global cooperation, has determined the steps to be followed in the green transformation process in addition to the principles it presents. These steps are a strategic roadmap to be followed in the transition to a green economy.
- Identifying and defining the natural resources, policies, institutions and related values required for a green economy.
- Raising awareness by explaining the importance of the green economy to society at large.
- Supporting the participation of all stakeholders and ensuring social cooperation in this transition, which creates a common good in the economic model.
- Adopt an inclusive approach to support the participation of all actors in the social cooperation achieved.
- Aligning economic policies and performance metrics with the goal of green and sustainable development.
- Supporting related efforts by modeling the most effective green economy practices.
- Identifying financial mechanisms that are compatible with green economy principles.
- Identifying the risks that may be encountered in the social dimension in the transition to a green economy with a participatory approach.
- Preparation of a strategic roadmap for the implementation of relevant policy, legal and financial arrangements.
- Implementation of relevant investments by public, private and community organizations.
What is the Green New Deal?
The great economic collapse that began in 1929 with America's Great Depression created the need for a new development plan. Following the Depression, US President Roosevelt announced a plan he called the 'New Deal' to revitalize the economy during this difficult period.
This plan included regulations, tax adjustments and elements that encouraged a fundamental change in the economic structure. Roosevelt's economic thrust was called the Green New Deal (Green New Deal) inspired by the green economy and created a model for the transition to a green economy. This model envisions an economic, social and environmental breakthrough.
The main argument of the Green New Deal is that the expansion of energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors will create new job opportunities in society. It argues that the transition to green energy will be economically beneficial and trigger a major economic development and breakthrough. In this way, the transition to a 'green economy' is envisioned to increase social welfare.
What are renewable energy sources You can also read this blog post to learn more.
Support the Green Economy Model with Apollo!
Many questions arise about how to implement the green economy model. For this transformation process, a roadmap, as mentioned above, helps us.
This roadmap includes many areas such as broad participation, establishment of social dialogue, awareness raising on the importance of green economy, adoption of an inclusive approach, transparent governance process, compliance with sustainable development goals, promotion of green economy practices, public and private sector cooperation.
So how can you keep up with the green economy model? By using an energy management platform like Apollo IoT!
As Apollo IoT, we believe that tracking your energy consumption and using it correctly will play an important role in the future. We aim to contribute to a sustainable world by calculating every energy-related step on our platform, from energy consumption to solar energy energy tracking; from carbon footprint to your electricity bill.
Start using it nowBe part of a sustainable future!
Source
