Sustainable Development Goals Through the Triad of Green
Economy, Growth, and Deal
Summera Khalid
1a
, Inna P. Stecenko
2b
, Zulaykho A. Kadirova
1c
, Aigul R. Nurieva
3d
and Sulkhiya S. Gazieva
1e
1
Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
2
Transport and Telecommunication Institute, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
3
Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
Keywords: Green Economy, Sustainable Development, New European Green Deal Sustainability Metrics, Economic
Processes, Green Transformation, Pragmatic Solutions.
Abstract: In a world facing the intersecting challenges of socio-economic complexities and environmental imperatives,
the study delves into the concept of the "green economy" and its interconnections with key ideas in the context
of contemporary socio-economic and environmental challenges. The primary objectives are to assess the
relevance of these concepts in shaping development policies and to offer practical solutions for socio-
economic progress. The study begins by examining various definitions and foundational principles that
underpin the prominence of "greening" economic processes in current development discussions. It elucidates
the emergence of the green economy as a novel phenomenon, dissects related terms like "green growth," and
explores the guiding principles essential for their realization, along with the mechanisms of green
transformation. A systematic approach is employed to present a range of indicators and measures for both the
green economy and green growth, serving as navigational tools towards sustainable development. These
metrics are drawn from reputable organizations, including the United Nations, UNEP, UNCTAD, UN ESCAP,
UN FGG, OECD, the European Union, and the World Bank, and supplemented with insights from individual
authors and nations, highlighting diverse viewpoints. The study's culmination centres on the New European
Green Deal and its pivotal role in aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals of the current decade.
This alignment represents a significant stride towards harmonizing global aspirations with regional initiatives,
emphasizing the interconnectedness of sustainability objectives. It also provides a comprehensive
understanding of the expectations and opportunities associated with prioritizing the green economy, while
also addressing inherent vulnerabilities and threats stemming from unwavering reliance on this evolving
concept. In conclusion, this study bridges the theoretical and practical realms, offering a multifaceted
examination of the green economy's significance and its potential to shape the future of socio-economic
development. It presents both the promise and the perils of embracing this transformative concept,
contributing to a nuanced understanding of its complexities.
1 INTRODUCTION
In the realm of development discourse, the past few
decades have witnessed an ever-growing lexicon of
terms adorned with the adjective "green." Phrases like
"green economy," "green growth," and "green deal"
a
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1769-7110
b
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0277-286X
c
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8487-3308
d
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9128-7657
e
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9015-0771
have emerged, ushering in a new era of attention to
the intricate relationship between the economy and
the biosphere, with a particular spotlight on the role
of the Earth's lush plant life. This profound shift, often
called the "greening" of development strategies and
policies, transcends boundaries, encompassing
various territorial systems and economic sectors. It
1376
Khalid, S., Stecenko, I., Kadirova, Z., Nurieva, A. and Gazieva, S.
Sustainable Development Goals Through the Triad of Green Economy, Growth, and Deal.
DOI: 10.5220/0012967100003882
Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 1376-1385
ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8
Proceedings Copyright © 2024 by SCITEPRESS Science and Technology Publications, Lda.
has become a prominent topic of discussion,
especially within the realm of international politics,
as we grapple with the means of translating the
abstract notion of sustainable and balanced
development into concrete reality.
2 RESULTS AND FINDINGS
Amidst these discussions, the concept of a "New
Green Deal" has reverberated on a global, European,
and national scale, representing a collective aspiration
to harmonize our economic ambitions with
environmental stewardship. At its core, the various
facets of the green economy find inspiration in the
remarkable process of photosynthesis, occurring
beneath the emerald canopy of leaves. Here, through
the magic of chlorophyll, sunlight, and water
intermingle, giving birth to natural substances that
humans harness, refine, and transform into an array
of products for consumption or further
industrialization. This natural alchemy—a renewable
and reproducible method of transmuting the elements
of nature and the sun's radiant energy into materials
for production and consumption—has long sustained
our civilizations. Yet, it now stands at a crossroads,
beset by the mounting threats posed by our industrial
ingenuity, particularly since the onset of the Industrial
Revolution.
As we delve into this exploration of the
"greening" of development and its multifaceted
implications, we embark on a journey through the
verdant corridors of our past, our present, and the
future we aspire to shape, where our quest for balance
with the natural world beckons. The incorporation of
"green" into economic discourse serves as a poignant
symbol, directing our gaze to the paramount
importance of preserving the natural world within our
economic endeavours.
This study embarks on a journey to dissect the
metamorphosis of the "green economy" concept and
its interplay with related notions, illuminating their
profound implications for policy formulation and the
pragmatic resolution of socio-economic challenges.
Within its informative tapestry, we traverse three
distinctive layers: first, the emergence of eco-centric
economic processes as a contemporary phenomenon;
next, the intricate definitions of "green economy" and
"green growth"; and finally, the guiding principles for
the implementation of these transformative eco-
conscious paradigms. Further, the study unveils a
treasury of measures and metrics, shedding light on
the elusive realm of green economy and green growth
while forging vital connections with the overarching
ideals of sustainable development. Finally, in a
crescendo of insight, it unveils the latest masterpiece
in the environmental symphony - the European Green
Deal. Drawing from a mosaic of documents and
literature, this paper unravels the intricate tapestry of
"green economy," "green growth," and "green deal"
within the context of "sustainable development goals"
- Pearce D., & et. al. (1989) - Janicke M. (2012). It
orchestrates a systematic panorama of diverse
initiatives, ranging from the official to the political,
and the institutional. This scholarly expedition seeks
to bridge the realms of theory and practice, offering a
fresh perspective on the pursuit of sustainability.
3 EMBRACING
SUSTAINABILITY:
TRANSFORMING ECONOMIC
PROCESSES WITH GREEN
INITIATIVES
Throughout human history, our connection with
nature has been essential. We've used natural
elements for agriculture and sustenance - Georgeson,
L, & et. al. (2017). However, as industrialization and
urbanization surged, our exploitation of nature
intensified, leading to environmental degradation.
The Industrial Revolution and free-market growth
exacerbated this issue. Environmental concerns
gained traction in the 1960s and led to the emergence
of sustainable development - Chou J R. (2021). This
concept evolved into eco-development and the "green
economy," emphasizing the environment. Related
ideas like "green growth" and "green governance"
gained prominence. Depletion of natural resources
and climate change threats make it imperative to
protect nature and adopt "greening" activities
spanning economics, society, and politics - Brink P T
(2011).
"Greening the economy" shifts away from
traditional industrial development toward
sustainability. Illustrated in Table 1, this conceptual
hierarchy unveils the interconnectedness of the green
economy it aligns with other frameworks for
sustainable development. These concepts converged
during the 2008-2011 global financial crisis and
remain crucial today. During the crisis, the green
economy gained political attention. The United
Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
proposed 'green stimulus packages' in 2008 to
promote the green economy. Many nations adopted
this concept as a recovery strategy.
Sustainable Development Goals Through the Triad of Green Economy, Growth, and Deal
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Table 1: Deciphering the Green Economy Concept
Hierarchy: Toward Sustainable Solutions (complied by
authors)
The Green New Deal A Catalyst for
Transforming Our Future
Green Growth A Key Contributor to a
Sustainable Future
Green economy Pathway to Achieving
Environmental
Sustainabilit
y
Sustainability
develo
p
ment
Aims to restore, renew,
and ecos
y
stems
In 2008, UNEP initiated the Green Economy
Initiative, culminating in the 2009 'Global Green New
Deal' report. By 2020, the green economy concept
had evolved into a guiding force, addressing
economic recovery, poverty alleviation, and climate
change. This transformative journey gained
momentum, solidifying the green economy as a
catalyst for sustainable development by 2019. In 2020,
it emerged as a beacon of resilience, integrated into
nations' recovery strategies. The year 2021 marked a
pivotal juncture, but it was during 2011–2012 that the
green economy concept experienced a meteoric rise,
involving various international institutions and
national teams. Since 2013, practical implementation
and progress assessment have gained momentum.
During this dynamic period, the United Nations
issued a resounding endorsement of the green
economy concept, touting it as a potential avenue not
only to alleviate the global financial crisis but also to
address economic recovery, food security,
environmental degradation, and threats like water and
energy scarcity and climate change. The release of
UNEP's landmark 2011 Green Economy Report
etched a powerful definition of the green economy
into the annals of sustainability, inspiring analogous
formulations championed by diverse international
organizations and research centers. This evolution
underscored the enduring relevance and
transformative potential of the green economy
concept. A multitude of international institutions and
national teams contributed to this fervor, including
UN World Conferences, various UN Agencies
(notably the UN Environment Programme, UNEP),
the OECD, the World Bank, the European Union, and
specialized institutions dedicated to green economy
principles. National institutions also actively engaged
in research and exploration of the green economy
concept, culminating in the development of
methodologies to assess progress and measure
outcomes. The chronological evolution of key green
economy concepts and ideas is summarized in Table
2.
Table 2: pioneering pathways: landmark moments in global
and European green economy advancement
Years Milestones
1972 A Landmark Declaration at the UN
Conference on the Human
Environment underscores the
irreplaceable value of our singular
p
lanet.
1987 The World Commission on
Environment and Development
(WECD) presents a defining
document titled "Our Common
Future," heralding a new era of
environmental awareness
1989 The insightful "Blueprint for a Green
Economy," Report 1, charts a path
toward sustainable economic
p
ractices.
1991 Building upon this foundation,
"Blueprint for a Green Economy,"
Report 2, further refines the strategies
for achieving an environmentally
conscious econom
y
.
1992 The UN Conference on Environment
and Development (UNCED), known
as the Rio Earth Summit, introduces
"Agenda 21," a comprehensive
b
lueprint for global sustainability.
1994 "Blueprint for a Green Economy,"
Report 3, contributes further to the
evolving roadmap of environmentally
conscious economic
ractices.
1997 The UN General Assembly convenes
to Review and Appraise the
Implementation of "Agenda 21"
during Rio + 5, reaffirming the global
commitment to sustainability.
2000 The UN Millennium Summit heralds
the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs), shaping a new era of
international cooperation for a more
sustainable future.
2002 A decade after the Rio Earth Summit,
the World Summit on Sustainable
Development (WSSD) marks Rio +
10, reflecting on the progress made
and settin
g
fresh
g
oals.
2008 UNEP launched the Green Economy
Initiative (GEI) and the visionary
Global Green New Deal (GGND),
signaling a new era of
environmentally conscious
economics.
2009 The UN Climate Change Conference
in Copenhagen became a pivotal
moment in the global fight against
climate change.
2010 The UNEP Global Ministerial
Environmental Forum in Nusa Dua
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introduces "A Strategy for Smart and
Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,"
aligning economic progress with
environmental res
p
onsibilit
y
.
2011 A flurry of significant reports
emerges, including the UNEP Green
Economy Report, OECD's "Towards
Green Growth," and UNEP and ILO's
"Green Jobs," all contributing to the
dialogue on sustainable, inclusive
g
rowth.
2012 The UN Conference on Sustainable
Development (UNCSD), Rio + 20,
brings together nations to chart a
course towards a more sustainable
future. A host of publications,
including UNEP's "Measuring
Progress Towards a Green Economy"
and UN DESA's "A Guidebook to
Green Economy," provide critical
insi
g
hts.
2013 The High-Level Political Forum on
Sustainable Development (HLPF)
marks an important milestone in the
quest for sustainable development.
The Green Growth Knowledge
Platform (GGKP) takes strides toward
a unified approach to green growth
indicators.
2014 UNEP underscores the use of
indicators for green economy
policymaking, guiding nations in their
pursuit of environmentally
res
p
onsible
p
olicies.
2015 Transforming Our World: the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development"
introduces the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), setting
ambitious targets for global
sustainability.
2016 The Green Growth Knowledge
Platform endeavours to measure
inclusive green growth at the country
level, furthering our understanding of
sustainable develo
p
ment
2017 OECD introduces Green Growth
Indicators, while PAGE (Partnership
for Action on Green Economy)
focuses on the application of green
econom
y
p
ro
g
ress measurement.
2019 The European Commission unveils its
visionary New European Green Deal
Strategy, setting the stage for a more
sustainable and environmentally
responsible Europe.
4 OWN ELABORATION:
INSIGHTS FORGING FROM
DIVERSE OFFICIAL
DOCUMENTS AND
PUBLICATIONS
The European Union's role in shaping sustainable
development gained prominence leading up to the Rio
+ 20 summit in 2012 when it officially defined the
green economy as "a low-carbon and resource-
efficient economy that fosters economic growth, job
creation, and poverty eradication while investing in
and preserving the natural capital essential for the
long-term survival of our planet. It embodies low-
carbon practices, resource efficiency, and social
inclusivity." The European Commission's
commitment to the green economy was further
reinforced through environmental action programs
and the Europe 2020 Strategy, which placed
sustainable development at its core, encompassing the
economy, environment, and social aspects and
emphasizing the importance of greening the economy.
5 DEFINING SUSTAINABLE
PATHWAYS: INSIGHTS INTO
GREEN ECONOMY, GREEN
GROWTH, AND LOW-CARBON
DEVELOPMENT
The essence of the green economy encompasses
crucial elements, including the mitigation of
environmental risks, the stewardship of natural
resources, and the pursuit of both social inclusion and
economic efficiency. Investments to reduce harmful
emissions and the adoption of pro-ecological
behaviors are pivotal in realizing this concept, which
inherently promotes economic efficiency and growth.
Linked to the green economy is the concept of green
growth, which gained prominence during the global
financial crisis from 2008 to 2011. Green growth
offers an alternative approach to economic recovery,
combining immediate interventions with a
commitment to long-term sustainable prosperity,
reinforced by the integration of green elements into
the economy. For comprehensive definitions of the
green economy, green growth, and the low-carbon
economy, please refer to Table 3 as we delve deeper
into this discourse.
Sustainable Development Goals Through the Triad of Green Economy, Growth, and Deal
1379
Table 3: The evolution of sustainable development
concepts
Type Organization Meaning
Green
Economy
UNEP
(2011)
defines the green
economy as one
that enriches
human well-being
and social equity
while substantially
reducing
environmental
risks and
ecological
scarcities.
UNCTAD
(2011)
envisions the
green economy as
an instrumental
component of
sustainable
development,
characterized by
improved human
well-being,
reduced
inequalities, and
the avoidance of
significant
environmental
risks and
scarcities for
future
g
enerations.
International
Chamber of
Commerce's
Green
Economy
Task Force
emphasizes the
synergy between
economic growth
and environmental
sustainability,
fostering progress
and social
develo
p
ment.
EEA (2013) characterizes the
green economy as
a harmonious
framework where
environmental,
economic, and
social policies and
innovations
empower society
to use resources
efficiently. This
approach
enhances human
well-being
inclusively while
preserving the
natural systems
that sustain us.
Green
Growth
OECD
(2011)
defines green
growth as a
strategic pursuit of
economic growth
and development
while ensuring
that natural assets
remain robust
providers of
essential resources
and environmental
services,
underpinning
sustained growth
and new economic
p
ros
p
ects
World Bank
(2012)
positions green
growth as a
strategy to sustain
economic growth
and job creation
crucial for poverty
reduction amid
worsening
resource
constraints and the
climate crisis.
UN ESCAP
(2012)
green growth is
efficient, clean
growth that
minimizes
pollution and
environmental
impacts while
accounting for
natural hazards
and the role of
environmental
management and
natural capital in
averting physical
disasters.
Low carbon
development
FGG
(2011)
spotlights low-
carbon
development as a
strategy
emphasizing the
reduction of fossil
fuel use as the
engine for
development,
focusing on
climate-resilient
development.
Beyond the definitions provided by international
organizations, scholars from diverse academic
institutions have contributed significantly to our
understanding of green growth and the green
economy. Cato et al. emphasized the importance of
assessing economic growth not merely in terms of
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GDP expansion but also in relation to overall well-
being and environmental quality. They highlighted
the challenge of formulating development policies
that comprehensively consider the interconnected
facets in this context. The global green economy must
go beyond pursuing GDP growth through green
stimuli; it necessitates profound structural
transformations, involving changes in resource
utilization, production methods, consumption
behaviours, and environmental protection measures.
The concept of green growth and the green
economy gained particular significance amid the
rapid transformations witnessed in Central and
Eastern Europe and many developing nations at the
turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. This
transformation includes not only the overhaul of
economic and social systems but also their adaptation
to meet the demands of environmental sustainability
and sustainable development goals. Green
transformation involves reconfiguring existing
systems, including economic structures, governance
institutions, and stakeholder roles, in innovative
forms rooted in sustainable development principles.
In practical terms, the green economy encompasses
various elements like environmentally conscious
products, green investments, sustainable sectors,
responsible procurement, eco-friendly taxation, the
creation of green jobs, and environmentally conscious
consumption. These components collectively
contribute to reducing environmental footprints,
conserving resources, and fostering economic and
social growth. Responsibility for implementing a
green economy lies with a wide range of actors,
including businesses, households, governments, and
international organizations. While these concepts
may not offer one-size-fits-all solutions and may have
inherent weaknesses as shown in Table 4, they
represent an indispensable path toward a more
sustainable and environmentally responsible future,
characterized by distinct and transformative
approaches.
Table 4: Exploring Varied Perspectives: Traits of Green Economy and Green Growth Across Organizational Reports
Organization/Aut
hors
Title Key Aspects of
Definition
Measurement Agenda Strengths Limitations
European
Commission
Europe 2020: a
strategy for
smart,
sustainable and
inclusive
growth" (2010)
Defines the green
economy as an essential
component of smart,
sustainable, and
inclusive growth.
Utilizes national and EU-
level indicators for
measurement Emphasizes
inclusivity and
sustainability
May not encompass the full
spectrum of the green
economy.
OECD “Towards green
growth" (2011)
Positions effective
economic policy at the
core of green growth,
advocating flexibility
and resource efficienc
y
Develops 30 OECD green
growth indicators
Highlights resource-
efficient and dynamic
economies.
Expresses strong optimism
about the potential of green
growth
UNEP “Towards a
green
economy"
(2011)
| Asserts that
transitioning to a green
economy can be
profitable, balancing
economic growth with
environmental well-
b
ein
g
Proposes indicators for
informed decision-making
and policy design
Challenges the conventional
use of GDP for assessment.
Lacks innovative solutions
and focuses on mainstream
sustainability
HM Government Enabling the
transition to a
green
economy"
(2011)
Defines the green
economy's benefits to
the UK economy,
emphasizing
international market
opportunities
Calls for government-
provided information on
climate change and
resource risks.
Aligns with strong
economic arguments for
climate action. Does not
sufficiently address social
aspects or regulation
World Bank “Inclusive
green growth"
(2012)
Advocates for inclusive
green growth as the path
to sustainable
development, calling for
green policies to
influence GDP
Incorporates environmental
factors into GDP
measurement
Recognizes the importance
of integrating environmental
and economic aspects.
Limits perspectives by not
considering alternative
solutions.
Sustainable Development Goals Through the Triad of Green Economy, Growth, and Deal
1381
GGKP (Global
Green Growth
Knowledge
Partnership)
Moving
towards a
common
approach on
green growth
indicators"
(2013)
Aims to establish a
common approach for
green growth indicators,
highlighting their
commonality.
Focuses on communication
needs rather than
monitoring
Adopts OECD's headline
indicators and considers
wealth accounting. | May
overlook diverse definitions
of green growth and focus
on natural assets as inputs to
p
roduction only.
Green growth and the green economy, intertwined
concepts that have evolved over several decades, play
pivotal roles in sustainable development. While often
used interchangeably, distinctions exist in their
emphasis. Green growth, with quantitative roots in
population growth and development aspirations,
focuses on meeting rising demands for goods and
services while eradicating poverty. Institutions like
the World Bank, OECD, GGGI, and UN-ESCAP
have championed green growth, defining it as
pursuing economic expansion while actively
avoiding environmental degradation and resource
depletion. This approach sees investments in the
environment as catalysts for economic progress,
preserving and leveraging natural capital—raw
materials, energy, water, and more—to improve
human well-being. It envisions harmonious
coexistence between economic advancement and
environmental stewardship, propelling prosperity
while safeguarding vital ecological systems.
Effective green growth policies require robust
information resources, measurement metrics, and
evaluation methodologies, enabling national
transitions to sustainability and fostering global
cooperation. The World Bank underscores resource
efficiency, pollution mitigation, environmental
preservation, and disaster avoidance as key
components, while GGGI envisions green growth as
a paradigm transcending traditional economic
growth, harmonizing economic advancement with
climate resilience, poverty alleviation, social
inclusion, and sustainable ecosystem management,
encompassing climate change mitigation,
biodiversity preservation, and universal resource
access.
Green growth, a cornerstone of sustainable
development, is intricately linked with the broader
concept of the green economy, which has evolved
over several decades, particularly since the early
1970s. Over time, the distinctions between "green
economy" and "green growth" have become
increasingly blurred, often used interchangeably.
This blending of terminology stems from the quest for
an integrated approach that amalgamates the various
facets of sustainable development, to which both
concepts are intimately connected. Differences in
emphasis arise depending on the specific aspects
emphasized within each realm.
6 CATALYSTS OF
SUSTAINABILITY:
EXPLORING THE PRINCIPLES
OF GREEN ECONOMY AND
THE COMPONENTS OF
GREEN TRANSFORMATION
While the primary aim of defining the green
economy was to provide clarity to the concept, it also
necessitated the development of concrete
implementation principles and operational strategies.
Numerous organizations involved in defining the
green economy presented various proposals,
particularly leading up to the Rio+20 Conference. In
2012, the United Nations Department of Economic
and Social Affairs (UNDESA) compiled an extensive
overview of these proposals in its second edition of
the Green Economy Handbook. Table 5 offers a
compilation of the most commonly advocated green
economy principles, aligning them with the
fundamental dimensions of sustainable development.
Table 5: Principles of Green Economy
Types Principles of Green Econom
y
Economic
Principles
In the economic realm, the green
economy principles recognize the
intrinsic value of natural capital. They
advocate for the integration of these
principles into economic development
and growth models, emphasizing the
importance of internalizing
externalities. Additionally, they
promote resource and energy efficiency
as well as the creation of decent work
opportunities while emphasizing the
importance of job data.
Environmental
Principles
Within the environmental sphere, these
principles focus on safeguarding
biodiversity and ecosystems. They call
for investments in and the sustainable
management of natural capital.
Reco
g
nizin
g
the
p
lanetar
y
boundaries
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and ecological limits, they aim to
advance international environmental
sustainability goals.
Social
Principles
The social aspects of green economy
principles aim to deliver tangible
benefits, including poverty reduction,
improved well-being, livelihoods, social
protection, and access to essential
services. They prioritize social
inclusivity, democratic governance,
participatory decision-making,
accountability, transparency, and
stability. These principles also underline
the importance of equity and justice,
both within and between countries and
across generations
The definition and implementation of the green
economy have required collaborative efforts and the
development of operational strategies. Leading up to
the Rio+20 Conference, various organizations
presented proposals regarding the green economy's
principles. The United Nations Department of
Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) compiled
these proposals in its 2012 Green Economy
Handbook aligning them with sustainable
development dimensions. These principles
encompass sustainability, justice, inclusivity, and
more, providing a flexible framework for green
economy programs. A joint report by UNDESA,
UNEP, and UNCTAD, comprehensively addressed
the transition to a green economy, emphasizing its
advantages, complexities, and potential risks within
the context of sustainable development goals.
Challenges include divergent interpretations of the
green economy between ecologists and economists,
the misconception of replacing sustainable
development entirely, and potential green
protectionist policies. Key elements of green
transformation involve natural capital valuation,
regulatory mechanisms, sustainable production and
consumption, income distribution, education, and
green skills. This transformation aims to shift from
the conventional economic model to a green economy
that promotes growth, sustainability, and social
inclusion, with actionable steps proposed at various
levels. Despite criticisms and overlapping definitions,
the quest for suitable measures and indicators for
green growth and governance continues, highlighting
the evolving nature of these paradigms in Table 6.
Table 6: Stages of Transitioning Towards a Green
Economy: Key Actions and Initiatives
Stages Entity Key Actions and
Initiatives
Low-
carbon
economy
Countries Achieving emission
targets. Defining
emission standards
for machines and
devices. Introduction
of Emission Trading
S
y
stem.
Enterprises Implementing low-
carbon technologies.
Purchasing low-
carbon machines and
vehicles.
Society Investing in low-
carbon vehicles
Increasing the share
of public transport
and
b
icycle users
Greening
the
economy
Countries Thermal upgrading
of public buildings.
Development of
renewable energy
sources.
Supporting
ecological
investments through
financial
instruments.
Subsidizing green
vehicles.
Implementing green
p
ublic procurement.
Enterprises Modernizing
production plants.
Introducing
environmental
management
systems.
Enriching the range
of ecological
products.
Creating green job
o
pp
ortunities.
Society Thermal upgrading
of residential
buildings.
Purchasing
ecological goods and
services.
Green
economy
Countries Implementing green
tax reforms.
Increasing the share
of renewables in
energy consumption.
Developing
ecolo
g
ical trans
p
ort.
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1383
Focusing on green
sectors through
industrial policy.
Enforcing waste
generation
restrictions and
controls.
Enterprises Achieving zero-
emission production.
The dominant share
of ecological
products and
services.
Creating green job
o
pp
ortunities
Society Implementing green
building practices,
e.g., greenhouses
Establishing micro
electric power plants
Installing solar
p
anels.
The information provided appears to be primarily
based on secondary data. It is derived from a review
of existing literature, official documents, reports, and
publications from various organizations and
institutions. The methodology involves analyzing and
synthesizing information from these secondary
sources to trace the historical development,
definitions, and key principles of concepts related to
the green economy, green growth, and low-carbon
development.
The study explores the evolution of the "greening"
of development discourse, focusing on concepts like
the green economy, green growth, and the European
Green Deal in the context of sustainable development
goals.
It highlights how the global financial crisis from
2008 to 2011 played a pivotal role in the emergence
of green economy and green growth concepts,
emphasizing resource efficiency, environmental
preservation, and social inclusivity.
Key principles of the green economy include
recognizing the value of natural capital, promoting
resource efficiency, preserving biodiversity, and
reducing poverty. These principles provide a flexible
framework for green economy programs and policies.
The study underscores the importance of robust
information resources, measurement metrics, and
evaluation methodologies for the effective
implementation of green growth and the green
economy, both of which should complement rather
than replace the idea of sustainable development.
Overall, the study offers a comprehensive
perspective on how these concepts have evolved and
interconnected, emphasizing their significance in
achieving a sustainable and environmentally
responsible future.
The infusion of "green" into the realm of
development discourse represents a pivotal paradigm
shift in our approach to economic growth,
environmental sustainability, and social equity. The
concepts of the green economy, green growth, and
low-carbon development have emerged as potent
instruments in addressing the pressing challenges of
our time. They underline the imperative of
harmonizing economic ambitions with environmental
stewardship, acknowledging the intrinsic connection
between human prosperity and the well-being of our
planet. As global communities grapple with climate
change, resource scarcity, and social inequalities,
these concepts have taken center stage, serving as
guiding principles for policy formulation and
pragmatic solutions to complex socio-economic
challenges.
The evolution of these concepts reflects a nuanced
interplay between ecological, economic, and social
factors. They have grown beyond mere catchphrases
and have been embraced by governments and
international organizations as strategies for a
sustainable future. While the distinctions between
green economy, green growth, and low-carbon
development may blur, their underlying principles
share a common thread of fostering prosperity while
safeguarding the environment. The implementation
of these concepts calls for standardized metrics and
comprehensive measurements that capture the
multifaceted nature of sustainability. As exemplified
by the European Green Deal, these approaches signal
a profound commitment to balancing environmental
objectives with economic growth, paving the way for
a future where humanity lives in greater harmony
with the planet.
7 CONCLUSION
In the evolving landscape of development discourse,
the study delves into the transformative journey of
concepts like the green economy, green growth, and
the European Green Deal, emphasizing their pivotal
role in achieving sustainable development goals. This
journey traces the historical shift from humanity's
essential connection with nature to the contemporary
imperative of balancing economic ambitions with
environmental stewardship. The green economy
emerges as a response to this imperative, promoting
resource efficiency, environmental preservation, and
poverty reduction. The study highlights the profound
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impact of the 2008-2011 global financial crisis, which
catalysed green economic strategies and drew
attention to the urgent need for eco-centric solutions.
The European Green Deal, a recent milestone, aligns
regional initiatives with global aspirations,
emphasizing the interconnectedness of economic,
social, and environmental objectives. Key findings
underscore the importance of flexible principles
guiding the green economy, robust measurement
metrics, and a holistic approach that complements,
rather than replaces, the broader concept of
sustainable development. In conclusion, the study
offers a comprehensive perspective on the evolution
and interplay of these concepts, emphasizing their
significance in shaping a sustainable and
environmentally responsible future, while
highlighting the challenges that necessitate
innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
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