The macro-and mesoeconomics of the green economy

Abstract

Under the influence of the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the concepts of "green economy," "green growth," and "global green new deal" have emerged in the global policy debate (Barbier 2010, UNEP 2011a, 2011b). 1 There is no unique definition of the concept of the "green economy," but the term itself underscores the economic dimensions of sustainability. Thus, UNEP has argued that the concept responds to the "growing recognition that achieving sustainability rests almost entirely on getting the economy right" (UNEP 2011a:2). It also emphasizes the crucial point that economic growth and environmental stewardship can be complementary strategies, thus countering the view that still holds a strong influence that there are significant trade-offs between these two objectives.