Know how

Our issue experts share their thoughts and analysis on the practical dimensions of how to make a transition to a green economy. You can filter entries by using the theme links to the right. Please contact us to contribute an article and add your voice to the comments.

April, 2012
A vision for a green economy emerges from Botswana

A national vision for a green economy emerges from Botswana

By Ruud Jansen and Steve Bass

Botswana recently organised one of Africa’s first multi-stakeholder dialogues to explore the Green Economy (GE)  concept and to map out what transitioning to a GE would entail for the country.  

The basic principles of Sustainable Development (SD) have been part of... Continue reading

April, 2012
Amazon state leads the way to a greener economy

Amazonian state leads the way to a green economy

By Steve Bass - IIED

The foundations have recently been established for a Green Economy program for Amapá state, in the Brazilian Amazon. On March 27th-28th a seminar was held in Macapá, the state capital, to discuss how to reorient some of Amapa’s existing sectors towards greener, more inclusive... Continue reading

April, 2012
A 'global pact' for sustainable consumption and production

Two pathways to sustainability

By Luis Flores-Consumers International

There is general agreement among governments of the urgent need to address the current unsustainable patterns of development. However, as the international negotiation process continues towards the Rio+20 Earth Summit, there is little agreement on how to do it.

Continue reading
April, 2012
Transformation: Achieving the impossible?

Transformation: Achieving the impossible?

By Dr Aled Jones - Global Sustainability Institute

Unlocking a green economy requires a transformation in everything we do. The urgency of the challenge we face gets greater and greater with every new piece of evidence. Avoiding so called ‘tipping points’ in the Earth’s climate system or going beyond a point of recovery for... Continue reading

March, 2012
Sustainable energy for all

Energy equity: can the UN Sustainable Energy for All initiative make a difference?

By Emma Wilson - IIED

This year sees the launch of the UN Sustainable Energy for All initiative, with UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon creating a high-level group to mobilize action. We support the goals of this initiative but – like other observers – we feel it requires more ambition and focus. Key... Continue reading

March, 2012
Speeding up the transition to a green economy

Speeding up the transition

By Derek Osborn - Stakeholder Forum

150 stakeholder representatives gathered over the weekend at Pace University for The Global Transition Dialogue #2, to review progress on the road to Rio and emerging thinking about the green economy. All were agreed that sustainable development remains the goal – development that meets... Continue reading

March, 2012
Drip feeding water into the Green Economy

Drip feeding water into the Green Economy

By Jamie Skinner - IIED

We are used to reading fluid and fluctuating news on water. We may have too much or too little rain, crops desiccate or they rot, or we hear about severe drought, or floods leading to widespread famine, displacement or economic damage. Everybody wants water when it is scarce (but they usually... Continue reading

February, 2012
Green economy: new jobs for a new generation?

Green economy: new jobs for a new generation?

By Guest author - Hanna Thomas - Green Jobs Alliance

Last year, OECD analysis of the labour market emphasised that 'persistently high unemployment could eventually result in discouragement and permanent withdrawal from the labour force, especially among younger and less skilled workers. In at least 10 countries (e.g. the United Kingdom) the... Continue reading

February, 2012
The informal economy - a threat or driver for the Green Economy?

The informal economy - a threat or driver for the Green Economy?

By Guest author - Muyeye Chambwera - IIED

Could the informal economy be the route to deliver the ideal of a Green Economy? Given its sheer size, its rapid growth potential and ability to provide livelihoods for the poor, we cannot ignore the informal sector.  A green transition including low carbon growth, appropriate valuation of... Continue reading

February, 2012
Measuring What Matters

What does it take to measure what matters?

By Emily Benson - Green Economy Coalition

On Monday, Moody’s credit rating agency announced that the British economy has a ‘negative outlook’. These two small words have sent shivers through the Treasury and the city. Downgrading the creditworthiness of a national economy can have such catastrophic impacts on... Continue reading