Achim Steiner on green economy and sustainable development (UNEP)

Achim Steiner / United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations

Steiner argues for a change in economic paradigm towards a green economy. He says we cannot continue with the existing economic model because the world is running out of resources.

It’s time for leadership to start a transition away from an economy based on fossil fuels and extracting natural resources for economic growth.

Steiner says the technology and finance are there to be used but the economic conditions have to be changed to shift to a new paradigm that is sustainable and equitable.

He says governments should use public policy to shape and structure markets (through taxes and subsidies) so that consumers can benefit from buying more sustainable products.

Steiner highlights actions taken in China, Kenya and Germany in the transition to a green economy through investments, fuel efficiency and renewable energy.

He also mentions the potential of the Sustainable Development Goals towards a new sustainable development path that all countries will be committed to.

Read a summary of UNEP’s landmark Green Economy Report

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This summary was prepared by Why Green Economy?. The views expressed have been paraphrased. See the original source for more information.