Transcript Presentation on Green Economy Background paper for GC

Trade and the Green Economy
Trade and Green Economy
United Nations Environment Programme
Dr. Moustapha Kamal Gueye
Joint UNECA-UNEP-ICTSD event
UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20)
Regional Preparatory Meeting for Africa
19 October 2011 ~ Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
What is a Green Economy?
A Green Economy is one that results
in increased human well-being and
social equity, while significantly reducing
environmental risks and ecological
scarcities.
A green economy stimulates growth,
exceeding BAU over time…
GDP growth (%)
…while reducing ecological scarcities
and environmental risks
Composition of exports in (monetary
units) by world regions, 2006
Share of NR in total value of Africa’s
exports
100%
90%
Manufactured goods
80%
70%
60%
Natural resources
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Food products
1995
2000
2006
Manufactured goods
24.3
21.5
18.0
Natural resources
60.7
68.9
74.9
Food items
15.0
9.6
7.1
Source: Aryeetey
Raw material extraction & trade
Resource curse of leapfrogging?
• Growing faster than ever before
• Diversification, resource sector down to 24%
• But primary resources still 80% of exports
• Prices are too low
• Resource rents not properly invested
• Decoupling helps Africa to rethink development
Source: UNEP, International Resource Panel, 2011
Green economy and trade: Linkages
• Trade effects
• Trade-related concerns
• Trade opportunities
• Trade tools
• Development needs
What does a green economy mean
for trade in Africa?
• How might countries’ Green Economy
strategies affect trade with and between
African countries?
• What effects might a transition to a Green
Economy have on Africa’s key economic
sectors?
– Agriculture
– Natural resources
– Services
– Manufacturing
Enabling Africa’s transition to a green
economy
• What policies and tools can facilitate a Green
Economy transition in Africa?
– Standards
– Investment
• How do we achieve a Green Economy in an
efficient and equitable manner?
– Which actions should be prioritized?
Uganda – Sustainable agriculture
296,203 ha/
206,803
60%/ 359% farmers
increase
(2008)
185,000 ha,
45,000 farmers
(2004)
US$ 22.8 mil (2007/8)
US$ 6.2 mil (2004/5)
US$ 3.7 mil (2003/4)
48-68% less emissions and
carbon sequestration
The global
market:
97% of buyers in
OECD countries;
80% of
producers in
Africa, Asia and
Latin America
A $ 60 bn
market growing
at 10% per year
Role for the international community
• How could the multilateral trade
framework support Africa’s transition to
a Green Economy?
• Trade-related capacity building and
development aid
– What types of international support are
most desirable?
Thank you
www.unep.org/greeneconomy