New Report Shows Green Economy Fundamental for South Africa’s Sustained Economic Growth and Well-being – Green Africa DirectoryThe findings of a new study concerning the impacts of a green economy in South Africa have been released. The report, South African Green Economy Modelling, shows that investing in a low-carbon, resource efficient green economy is fundamental for South Africa’s sustained economic growth and well-being.
The report was officially released this month by South Africa’s Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, at a ceremony which also launched a new community based Green Fund Project called ‘ Farming the Wild’ in the uPhongolo Local Municipality.
The study assesses the impacts of green investments in four of the country’s key economic sectors: agriculture, energy, transport and natural resource management. Based on the government’s current targets and expenditures, the report identifies possible opportunities for achieving government targets in each of these four sectors.
The report finds that a green economy approach – such as investing in low-carbon technologies, green buildings, and renewable energy – can create more jobs than a business as usual approach, while supporting the same level of economic growth, yet with lower emissions of greenhouse gases and less environmental damage.
However, based on a green economy, target-specific scenario, it also confirms that additional investment may be needed to meet the country’s growth target stipulated in the National Development Plan of 4 to 7 per cent rise in GDP per year between now and 2020.
“South Africa is committed to pursuing and exploring opportunities in its transition to an inclusive, low-carbon, resource-efficient green economy,” said Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa . “This study demonstrates that a green economy approach, which takes into account the country’s economic, social and environmental aspirations, can deliver as much growth as a business-as-usual model but in a more sustainable manner. The report’s findings will help guide the country’s future policies and investments, as it work towards achieving its sustainable development and poverty eradication goals.”
Some key findings in the report include:
- Investment in a green economy can contribute to 46 percent more restored land by 2030, and greater water availability, without reducing land required for the agriculture sector. In addition, it could ...
