9 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Economic sustainability means assessing the environmental impact of economic activity and establishing business practices that are more environmentally friendly (Bish, 2021). This is why models such as the circular economy and green politics are very important. These models promote sustainable methods of running the economy and the political system while protecting the environment. These actions can be implemented at a global level as well as nationally (and personally for the circular economy!). Green economics & Circular Economy The green economy is an economy that aims to be low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive (UN Environment Programme, 2022). In a green economy, economic growth is driven by investment into: ü infrastructure that is carbon-efficient ü employment in sustainable areas ü enhanced energy and resource efficiency ü prevention of loss of biodiversity and the ecosystem The green economy goes hand-in-hand with the circular economy. The circular economy is a model of reusing and recycling existing products and materials for as long as possible. The circular economy shares a similar goal to green economics because they both aim to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The circular economy is sustainable as it ensures that the existing products and materials currently produced are used for the entirety of their life cycle. When their life cycle ends, they are then remade and recycled into a new product which is then used and reused for the entirety of its lifecycle. The circular economy model is an important step towards making our world more sustainable. It ensures that: Ø we aim to reduce the amounts of materials that we are pulling and taking from the Earth, and, Ø there will be enough materials to support future generations, while using our existing products to completion. Green politics Green politics is a form of politics that aims to create a more sustainable society. This type of politics is based in environmentalism, conservation, peace, feminism, and social justice. This is important because it promotes a sustainable future by boosting social and economic opportunities for all. Green politics is make use reuse remake recycle Figure 5 - The Circular Economy Model Raw materials conservation Innovation Durable products Jobs Efficiency CO2 emissions reductions Figure 6 - Benefits of the circular economy
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