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GREEN ECONOMY
The term “Green Economy” was first coined in a 1989 report for the Government of the United Kingdom by a group
of leading environmental economists, entitled "Blueprint for a Green Economy". There is no internationally agreed
definition of a green economy but many countries have realised that the country’s economy and the balance in the
environment go hand in hand. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has defined the green economy as
“one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and
ecological scarcities. It is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive”.
It is an effort of the whole world to create a healthy planet by using alternative ways of growth and development that
improve quality of life of people through sustainable development. It also means healthy clean air to breathe, pure
water to drink and wholesome food to eat for all without exhausting our present natural resources and saving it for
the future generations to come.
Characteristics of Green Economy
Environmentally sustainable development has become the main goal of all the countries across the globe since the
UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992. It emphasizes that the Green Economy provides
prosperity for all within the ecological limits of the planet. It focuses on:
• Well-being and prosperity for all people by providing good education, decent livelihoods, and jobs.
• Supporting human rights and social equity especially the rights of under-privileged and minorities.
• Nurturing the geographical boundaries to safeguard, restore and invest in nature. It protects the biodiversity and
natural ecosystems.
• Creating prosperity within planetary boundaries for sustainable production and consumption. It provides economical
growth by aligning prices, subsidies, and incentives with true costs to society.
• Good governance by adapting sound science and economics along with local knowledge. It prioritises public
participation, informed consent, transparency, and accountability.
Skill Development for Green Economy
The key challenges for India are to expand access to food, energy, water, and other essential goods and services
to its growing population. It needs to work towards the objective of alleviating poverty and catalysing sustainable
development. The development of skills for green jobs is crucial to ensuring an efficient transition from unsustainable
to a green economy by matching supply and demand for skills. A green job can be found in business, non-profit
organisations, government, or education.
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