Una green economy it is a set of production processes (industry, commerce, agriculture and services) applied in a specific place (country, city, company, community, etc.) that can lead to sustainable development both environmentally and socially. Its importance in society is increasing since we have to take care of the environment but without putting the world economy at risk.
For this reason, we are going to dedicate this article to telling you everything you need to know about the green economy, its characteristics and its importance.
Key features
It is related to the development of economic activities that contribute to the preservation of environmental quality through the efficient use of resources. Efficient use refers to the protection of biodiversity, air quality, soil, water and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The challenge is to improve social welfare and reduce environmental pressures while reaping economic benefits. Companies committed to the development of a green economy are called "green companies" and are characterized by respect for nature.
Our well-being depends on turning natural resources into products, but today we are exploiting them faster than nature can regenerate. The only way to maintain our well-being is to develop a green economy.
The main objectives of a green economy are:
- Improve social welfare
- Efficient use of natural resources
- Reduce the extraction and use of natural resources.
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions
- Protect biodiversity
- Create green jobs
- Promote energy efficiency
- Reduce the ecological footprint
- Reduce poverty by conserving natural resources.
The green economy includes the circular economy, responsible sourcing, green infrastructure, sustainable agriculture (regenerative agriculture), the carbon cycle, sustainable business culture, renewable energies and the collaborative economy (Cargomatic, BlaBlaCar, commercial spaces, offices ).
Green economy and sustainability
The concentration of wealth can harm growth and lead to poverty. Economic transformation and responsible and orderly distribution improve social welfare. Populations need basic resources such as education and health.
In general terms, traditional economics defines welfare as the difference between the total benefit received by society minus the cost of production. For environmental economists, environmental goods are also important, be it the benefit or the cost of a resource, if consumed.
If the model is valid, try not to over-consume environmental resources, giving them time to regenerate. The system must minimize the waste of raw materials, water and energy.
Companies with green economy
Green companies aim to achieve economic development by improving the quality of life of society, equal opportunities and not harming the environment. Climate change, renewable energies, the limitations of resources such as water, social development for present and future generations, biodiversity, animals in danger of extinction or organic farming are some of the aspects to take into account.
Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate CSR or CSR is the value generated by good practices and a company's commitment to society and the world around it. Coherence between corporate identity and image, authenticity, dignified treatment of employees, suppliers and customers, and care and responsibility towards the environment to minimize environmental risks are essential. When companies care and look for social opportunities to grow, they can gain an edge over the competition. It is a strategic and reputation argument that attracts employees and builds customer loyalty.
B Corps, bcorpspain are "B-Certified" companies because they meet certain social and environmental requirements for the benefit of all. The B Corp seal is recognized worldwide as a way to spread sustainable values through transparency and good practices.
Importance
Society is increasingly aware that global warming and climate change can have significant impacts in the short and long term. Thus, many companies are starting to bet on the so-called green economy, a concept that, although short, seems to have a long way to go.
According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), a green economy is "one that improves human well-being and social equality while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcity."
Therefore, this definition reflects that the green economy affects not only the economic sphere, but also the social and environmental sphere. Therefore, companies, markets, investors and society as a whole must commit to sustainable development to guarantee long-term profitability and contribute to social and environmental well-being.
In this way, those entities, public or private, that respect nature through, for example, low carbon emissions, will receive the name of "green entities" and the jobs they generate will be called “green jobs or jobs”.
Related to this, EU legislation sets over 130 separate environmental goals and targets to be achieved between 2010 and 2050, with the aim of driving Europe towards a green economy. Some of them are:
- improve social welfare, fight for social justice, fight scarcity and reduce threats to the environment.
- Efficient use of resources, reduction of carbon emissions and social responsibility.
- Increase public resources to combat carbon emissions and create green jobs.
- A strong commitment to energy efficiency and biodiversity.
Thus, a green economy makes it possible to evaluate the level of transformation and economic growth of "green companies", analyze the impact of development levels in terms of extraction and use of available resources, and evaluate the social impacts in terms of resources. acquired. The population has access to basic resources, health and education.
Among the benefits of the green economy we have:
- Look for the well-being of people.
- Promotes social equity.
- Reduces poverty.
- Minimizes environmental impacts.
- Reduce carbon emissions.
- Avoid contamination.
- Use renewable resources.
- Create green jobs.
- Prevents loss of biodiversity.
- Manage waste.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the green economy and its characteristics.