Green economy
Topic: Environment and Sustainable Development · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
A green economy is one that is low-carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive. The idea comes from UNEP (2011). Low-carbon means it releases few greenhouse gases. Resource-efficient means it gets more output from less material and energy. Inclusive means the benefits reach the poor too. Growth is driven by investment that cuts pollution and protects ecosystems.
Example
India is moving in this direction through solar power (PM-KUSUM), clean cooking fuel (PM Ujjwala Yojana) and biogas (GOBARdhan). These cut pollution and create rural jobs and incomes at the same time.
Don't confuse with
- Green growth: green growth (OECD, World Bank) focuses on keeping GDP growing while cutting emissions and damage. A green economy adds social inclusion as a core condition.
Related concepts
- Sustainable development
- Plimsoll line of the economy
- Weak and strong sustainability
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Environmental Kuznets curve
- Pollution haven hypothesis
- Environmental decoupling
- Rebound effect
- Green growth
- Degrowth