The projected quadrupling of global GDP by 2060 presents both tremendous risks and opportunities for the sustainable management of natural capital. Embracing a circular economy model presents great potential for economic growth, with an estimated US$4.5 trillion business opportunity. However, the degradation of natural capital threatens the ecosystem services on which more than 40 percent of total world employment, or 1.2 billion jobs, depend directly, along with billions more jobs with indirect linkages to natural capital. In this blog, we feature some of our latest resources that illustrate the role green industry can play in strengthening the sustainable management of natural capital.
Over the last 20 years, economic growth has helped to lift almost a billion people out of extreme poverty. But 1 billion people are still extremely poor. 1.1 billion live without electricity and 2.5 billion people without access to sanitation. For them, growth has not been inclusive enough.
In addition, growth has come at the expense of the environment. While environmental degradation affects everyone, the poor are more vulnerable to violent weather, floods, and a changing climate. Development experts, policymakers, and institutions like the World Bank have learned a major lesson: If we want to succeed in ending poverty, growth needs to be inclusive and sustainable.
Research
In June 2013, the OSLO Consortium initiated the public-private dialogue “New Opportunities from Natural Wealth Management” in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Out of the dialogue, five practical lessons were identified to scale up green growth in the region. Christina Wollesen, Siv Øystese and Simone Quatrini from the Global Mechanism outline why these are a good place to start for any economy that’s putting green growth on the agenda.
Research
Jan Corfee-Morlot, Senior Policy Analyst and Environment and Development Team Leader, OECD Development Co-operation Directorate, shares her insights on the OECD's recent publication "Putting Green Growth at the Heard of Development."