The Green Economy: Bail Out Planet, Not Polluters
There is no better opportunity and no time more critical to move to a Green economy than right now. In addressing our current economic challenges, we can and should face it through a restructuring and reframing of the economy with investments in green technologies, meaningful reductions in carbon emissions, a commitment to increasing energy efficiency and by becoming environmentally sustainable.
One of the most important choices that individuals and nations can make is finding opportunity in the most difficult of times. When crises arise and the dust from the inevitable upheaval settles, clear pictures emerge: although what we have been doing may have worked for some time, it is evident that we need to introduce new ideas and practices. When our changes transform the fundamental nature of society and the way we think, we call it a paradigm shift.
We have seen paradigm shifts before. Copernicus' assertion that the sun was in the middle of the universe altered the way humanity saw itself in relation to the Heavens. The acceptance of Charles Darwin's theories of natural selection and evolution revolutionized how we understood the origin of humankind. The introduction of Keynesian economics between World Wars forever transfigured the way in which states acted as economic entities. What we need now is another paradigm shift – to a green economy.
We are currently mired in two global crises: climate change and the economic recession. Fortunately we can solve both problems at the same time by investing in a future rather than past economy. We must take advantage of this remarkable opportunity to address both. A green economy will provide the sustainable jobs of the future. A green economy is both necessary to resolve our current situation and imperative for future generations.
A remarkable range of individuals have espoused moving towards a Green economy. George Soros, the philanthropist and stock investor recently noted that "dealing with global warming will require a lot of investment", and that while "the motor of the world economy was consumption…that motor is now switched off." We need a new motor that allows us to adjust our lifestyle, reduce energy consumption and invest in the Green economy. Author and The New York Times columnist Tom Friedman has consistently advocated a move to the Green economy. He has argued for a Green bailout with investments into green technologies and the creation of 'green collar jobs'.
The Green Party of Canada has long championed a green economy. It understands and promotes the need to think holistically – of seeing the connections and interdependence of the economy and the environment, and the opportunity in building a green economy. As noted in Vision Green, focusing "economic development and investment towards clean technology and services is both a smart economic development strategy and a superb investment opportunity." Furthermore, "Green technology has been called the greatest business opportunity of this century. All levels of government need to advance this green economic approach through effective tax and policy measures." The Green Party gets it. Circumstance dictates that now Canadians of all political affiliations must get on board as well.
When massive bailouts are being doled out, stimulation packages are being negotiated, and the global economy is aching to adjust itself in the face of recession, we must frame them within the context of moving towards a green economy. If we recognize that the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity, we can achieve the economy that we want and our children deserve: one that is environmentally sustainable, efficient, robust, and rewarding.
One of the most important choices that individuals and nations can make is finding opportunity in the most difficult of times. When crises arise and the dust from the inevitable upheaval settles, clear pictures emerge: although what we have been doing may have worked for some time, it is evident that we need to introduce new ideas and practices. When our changes transform the fundamental nature of society and the way we think, we call it a paradigm shift.
We have seen paradigm shifts before. Copernicus' assertion that the sun was in the middle of the universe altered the way humanity saw itself in relation to the Heavens. The acceptance of Charles Darwin's theories of natural selection and evolution revolutionized how we understood the origin of humankind. The introduction of Keynesian economics between World Wars forever transfigured the way in which states acted as economic entities. What we need now is another paradigm shift – to a green economy.
We are currently mired in two global crises: climate change and the economic recession. Fortunately we can solve both problems at the same time by investing in a future rather than past economy. We must take advantage of this remarkable opportunity to address both. A green economy will provide the sustainable jobs of the future. A green economy is both necessary to resolve our current situation and imperative for future generations.
A remarkable range of individuals have espoused moving towards a Green economy. George Soros, the philanthropist and stock investor recently noted that "dealing with global warming will require a lot of investment", and that while "the motor of the world economy was consumption…that motor is now switched off." We need a new motor that allows us to adjust our lifestyle, reduce energy consumption and invest in the Green economy. Author and The New York Times columnist Tom Friedman has consistently advocated a move to the Green economy. He has argued for a Green bailout with investments into green technologies and the creation of 'green collar jobs'.
The Green Party of Canada has long championed a green economy. It understands and promotes the need to think holistically – of seeing the connections and interdependence of the economy and the environment, and the opportunity in building a green economy. As noted in Vision Green, focusing "economic development and investment towards clean technology and services is both a smart economic development strategy and a superb investment opportunity." Furthermore, "Green technology has been called the greatest business opportunity of this century. All levels of government need to advance this green economic approach through effective tax and policy measures." The Green Party gets it. Circumstance dictates that now Canadians of all political affiliations must get on board as well.
When massive bailouts are being doled out, stimulation packages are being negotiated, and the global economy is aching to adjust itself in the face of recession, we must frame them within the context of moving towards a green economy. If we recognize that the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity, we can achieve the economy that we want and our children deserve: one that is environmentally sustainable, efficient, robust, and rewarding.
