Economic growth is a must for free and prosperous modern societies. Yet that growth must be in line with sound environmental principles because that is the only we can ensure that our planet will avoid becoming an environmental basket case.
Not only must we stop polluting Planet Earth and stop using it as a dumping ground for our vast amounts of daily waste; we must also find innovative ways to repair the grave harm we’ve already inflicted on the planet. Needless to say, we will greatly benefit from doing so. We will lead healthier lives in healthier environments on a healthier planet.
For too long, the relationship between prosperity and environment has been seen as a trade-off,” explains Erik Solheim, a Norwegian diplomat who is the executive director of the United Nations Environment Program. “Tackling pollution was considered an unwelcome cost on industry and a handicap to economic growth,” Solheim elucidates. “But global trends are demonstrating that this is no longer the case. It’s now clear that sustainable development is the only form of development that makes sense, including in financial and economic terms.”
Encouragingly, numerous nations worldwide are working on ways to transition to renewable energy sources in an effort to cut back on their carbon footprints and help mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Burning vast amounts of fossil fuels like gas and coal as if there was no tomorrow simply won’t do anymore, and more and more politicians, business leaders and ordinary people realize this.
“The energy revolution currently unfolding is a game changer,” Solheim notes. “The rapidly falling cost of energy from renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, means that the countries leading the shift away from fossil fuels will reap the greatest benefits to their economies, as well as their environments. These countries will have better, faster transport networks and more flexible power grids.”
Yet transition to cleaner and greener economies nations must come fast as some of the adverse effects of climate change are already manifest across much of the world. “With the transition to green and sustainable development under way, we now need to focus on how to intensify and accelerate these trends in order to protect the environment, combat climate change and curb pollution,” Solheim says.
To achieve these goals, the UN environment chief adds, nations and governments will need to show strong political leadership; they will need to build international partnerships; they will nee to draw on technological and scientific progress to find innovative solutions to acute environmental problems; and they will also need to invest heavily in clean energy sources and holistic projects aimed at the conservation of biodiversity.
We will also need broad participation from citizens and civil society groups, and we’ll all need to adopt more sustainable lifestyles if we haven’t already done so. “Citizens need to be informed and inspired to reduce their own pollution footprint and advocate for bold pollution-beating commitments from the public and private sectors,” the UN Environment chief observes.
“Government policies and programmes will play a central role, both nationally and internationally,” Solheim says. “Businesses, consumers, investors, community groups and thought leaders must also be fully involved if we are to succeed.”
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