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Showing posts from May, 2012

Nine Principles of a Green Economy

A green, fair and inclusive economy provides a better quality of life for all within the ecological limits of the planet: 1. The Sustainable Principle.  A green, fair and inclusive economy is a means to deliver sustainability It is one of the vehicles to deliver sustainable development – not a replacement for it.It respects its dependency on a healthy environment and it strives to create wellbeing for all It addresses all three dimensions (environmental, social and economic) and develops policy mixes that integrate and seek the best results across all of them.  2. The Justice Principle.  A green, fair and inclusive economy supports equity It supports equity between and within countries and between  generations. It respects human rights and cultural diversity It promotes gender equality and recognises knowledge, skills, experience and contribution of each individual It respects indigenous peoples rights to lands, territories and resources 3. The Dignity Principle. A green

Exploring the Green Economy and Youth Nexus

So, the last couple of years have seen issues of climate change and environmental degradation take centre stage in the global arena. More important, the role of human beings in creating and even aggravating these challenges is more prominent that ever. In 1987, there was a report from a commission called the Brundtland Commission which proposed the concept of Sustainable Development. In simple terms, sustainable development is development which uses resources in such a manner that they will still be available for use by future generations. It is on this concept of sustainable development that the Green Economy model is hinged upon. Initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme, the definition of the Green Economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In short, the Green Economy will make certain that profit is not the only driving factor of businesses. Other factors such

Rio+20| Time to debunk the half truths

There is need to demystify the long held myth that associates trekking with poverty in the African context and the time is now. Over the years we have been made to believe that affluence is the ultimate measure of ones’ well being. Modesty is regarded as unfashionable. Non- motorized transport (riding bicycles, walking, skating); a very common scenario in the developed countries especially Denmark, Canada, Netherlands, is not only pollution free but also contributes to ones’ wellness in terms of being fit since it is exercise in itself. Kenya’s case may be a bit different considering the state of our roads and the apparent unwillingness to invest in a reliable railway transport and the pot-holed road network with no lanes for cyclists. It doesn’t however imply that the inopportune trend cannot be reversed.  The relevant authorities should be pushed into action. Non-motorized transport should be our focus in absence of an efficient low carbon transport. Time has come to frown on