Green Economy to Eradicate Poverty
Introduction
6. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines a green economy to be “one thatresults in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmentalrisks and ecological scarcities.” We, the youth of Asia Pacific, call for action at all levels towardsthe implementation of a green economy. We believe that it will address the problems we face inthe region. With respect to problems of human welfare and equity, progress has been relativelyslow. As for environmental problems, the region faces threats such as deforestation, pollution andimpacts of climate change. Given that all countries face shared issues, we reaffirm the importancefor nations to synchronize their national interests with that of regional goals and help each other progress towards achieving a green economy.7. The Green Economy to Eradicate Poverty is an approach of three integrated sectors; Planet,People and Profit. The Asia Pacific region is more vulnerable towards the impact of climatechange; therefore, urgent adaptations and actions to protect the environment have become anutmost priority. The world is faced with a dual challenge: climate change and poverty. If thecurrent generation does not adequately address these, the planet in 2050 could becomeunbearable for human habitation. Every person on the planet has the right his or her share of consumption and production opportunities; right to access his or her share of resources and theright to live a life of dignity and quality. This will minimize ecological scarcities and environmentaldegradation. Horizontal economic growth will develop the quality of life, ensuring social equity andthe right to equitably meet developmental and environmental needs of present and futuregenerations. Therefore, we need to take leadership in designing a better world where equity, well-being, happiness, prosperity and peace for all is assured.8. About 1.4 billion people in developing countries live under US$1 a day (World Bank, 2008). Arecent study shows that in the Asia-pacific region, yields in 2050 for wheat will decline by 50%from 2000 due to climate change (IFPRI, 2009). We need to alter the current trickle downapproach to actual action to alleviate poverty. Food security can best be achieved via a greeneconomy.9. The benefits of a green economy can be seen in the three sectors which are environment,economy, and society. It increases the resilience capacity of the ecosystem and quality of life aswell as creates employment and business opportunities. Although it is difficult to shift to a greeneconomy as there are short-term costs involved, we can take strategic steps to minimise thesecosts in view of the long term benefits.10. The upcoming Rio+20 summit could be our last chance to save the planet. The world does nothave the luxury to wait; steps must be taken to provide international policies and an actionableframework to transit to a green economy
in the future.
Challenges
Poverty11. Barring a few outliers
,
the Asia Pacific region has seen a significant amount of economicgrowth in the recent past. However, the standard of living of the lower strata in their respectivesocieties has changed little, if not worsened. The promise of growth has often resulted in a massinflux to urban areas, creating slums, while corporate and urban oriented policies have meant thatrural areas, and areas most in need of government help have been neglected. Thus, the poverty
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