African Forum
Apr 6

What is "Green Economy" anyway?

Hi everyone,


To get the ball rolling, we thought we'd post a couple of introductions to some key concepts of the African Forum on Green Economy. And the most important concept of all is green economy!


We define a "green economy" as one that provides prosperity for all, within one planet limits. That's the short version. But it's a complex topic! Let's go into a little more detail.


Crucially, a green economy is not just about protecting the environment or tackling climate change. It's also about providing well-being and prosperity for people - all people. In fact, the Green Economy Coalition have published a set of Green Economy Principles, Priorities and Pathways that can guide businesses and governments towards re-wiring our economies to ensure that everyone can live well within our ecological limits.


The 5 Principles are:


  • Wellbeing: The economy enables all people to create and enjoy prosperity;

  • Justice: The economy promotes equity within and between generations;

  • Planetary Boundaries: The economy safeguards, restores and invests in nature;

  • Efficiency & Sufficiency: The economy is geared to support sustainable consumption and production;

  • Good Governance: The economy is guided by integrated, accountable and resilient institutions.


You can learn more about the Principles here.


Building a green economy requires deep-rooted reform - but it is already happening. Our Green Economy Tracker is an interactive online tool that charts the policies and programmes that are already driving change around the world. And there's lots more infomation on the green economy at the GEC website - including our "State of the World" research report, the Green Economy 2020 Global Barometer, which sets out how global markets are adapting for a low-carbon, climate safe future.


What do you think? Does our definition of a green economy match yours? What have we missed? What should we be prioritising? And how can African institutions, governments, businesses and citizens adapt and evolve the concept of green economy to best suit their unique situations? Let us know!