Green economy

The Green Economy, as it is understood in the 21st century, is an economic model designed to function in harmony with the environment, as opposed to against it. It actively seeks to reduce environmental risks and ecological scarcities while aiming for sustainable development. It also champions the notion of not only economic, but also social well-being. Central to this model are two guiding principles – reducing emissions and minimizing waste, while increasing efficiency in the use of resources. Thus, the Green Economy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN) are inextricably linked, both attempting to create an integrated approach to solving environmental, societal, and economic challenges.

The 17 SDGs are aimed at eradicating poverty, fighting inequality, and addressing climate change, among others. Many of these goals are directly linked to the principles of the Green Economy. For example, SDG 7 advocates for affordable and clean energy, which echoes the Green Economy's push for the efficient use of resources and lower emissions. Similarly, SDG 12, which is about responsible consumption and production, corresponds to the Green Economy's focus on minimizing waste and resource efficiency.

The Green Economy acts as a driving force to achieve these SDGs by fostering economic growth and job creation, through sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. By directing investments into sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green construction, it helps not only in achieving SDGs related to climate action and responsible consumption but also those associated with poverty eradication, zero hunger, and decent work, to name a few. Through this holistic approach, the Green Economy ensures the synergistic attainment of SDGs, promoting an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for all.

The relationship between the Green Economy and the SDGs is a symbiotic one, where each feeds into and strengthens the other. The Green Economy offers a practical pathway to reach the SDGs, while the SDGs provide a comprehensive framework that gives direction to the Green Economy. It’s a sustainable match made in heaven, where the implementation of one enhances the achievement of the other, making them two sides of the same coin in the quest for global sustainability and a better future for all.

Reducing emissions and improving environmental conditions are now a global priority for promoting sustainable growth and preventing the adverse consequences of global warming and climate change.
This chapter advances UN SDG goals 7 and 13 by examining large-scale infrastructure and the associated safety hazards of emerging hydrogen technologies as a replacement for fossil fuels in the global energy and transport industries.
Garbage patch with seagulls above
ICIS, a RELX business, analyses the complex problem plastics, recycling, and disposal, relating to SDG 12, Sustainable Consumption and Production. They believe the solution is likely to involve improving recycling infrastructures; designing new, more sustainable plastics; designing products with an end-of-life plan; finding new ways to degrade plastics – such as plastic-eating mealworms and microbes; and diversifying the raw materials that make plastics to plant-based alternatives. 
This article supports SDG's 3, 6, and 11 by illustrating the reduction of pollutants using various microbial techniques. Strategy and recommendations are summarized, along with the future prospects.
Elsevier,

Sustainable Chemistry for Climate Action, Volume 2, January 2023

The article is related to SDG 13 and investigates the use of carbon neutral sources, such as biowaste, in the conversion to biooil. Catalytic liquefaction of various organic waste (mandarin peel, coffee grounds and cocoa shell) to synthesize an oil which can be used as a sustainable fuel is described.
Elsevier,

Sustainable Chemistry for Climate Action, Volume 2, January 2023

A rapid switch from non-renewable carbon-based sources of energy to clean and low-carbon sources of energy is required to accomplish ambitious carbon neutrality goals. The prospects of hydrogen in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 are promising, but the article describes the challenges and uncertainties that need to be addressed.
Elsevier,

Sustainable Chemistry for Climate Action, Volume 2, January 2023

The articles supports SDG 13 and gives a realistic look at CO2 emissions, average temperature increases, and the role of developing and implementing sustainable technologies in solving the climate problems
Elsevier,

Josiah O. Kuja, Anne W.T. Muigai, Jun Uetake, Chapter 8 - Metagenomics: A resilience approach to climate change and conservation of the African Glacier biodiversity, Editor(s): Catalina Lopez-Correa, Adriana Suarez-Gonzalez, In Translational and Applied Genomics, Genomics and the Global Bioeconomy, Academic Press, 2023, Pages 153-173, ISBN 9780323916011

This content aligns with Goal 15: Life on Land and Goal 2: Zero Hunger by investigating how new genomic applications can leverage agricultural production and how the utilization of bioresources like cold-active enzymes and freeze-resistant proteins from glaciers may help develop more drought-resilient plants.
Circular economy has provided the possibilities for recycling and sustainable management of plastic wastes.

On April 22 every year, we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement with Earth Day. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, this day has marked global collaboration and awareness of the need to fight for a cleaner and healthier Earth. It all began in 1962 when Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring hit the New York’s bestseller list selling over 500,000 copies in 24 countries.

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