The Green Economy in Relation to Environmental Diplomacy

Abstract

This project critically examines whether or not the Green Economy can be an effective tool in promoting diplomatic relations among states despite the various socio-economic challenges they face. The objectives of the study is to understand what the concept of the Green Economy means and how would it promote the new way of doing business as opposed the more “brown economy”. It also aims at understanding what role the Green Economy plays in environmental diplomacy as it is concerned with promoting development whilst protecting the environment. This will naturally have challenges and so the study analyses some of these challenges not only with the concept but how it affects environmental diplomacy. This is examined with a realist point of view whereby scholars such as Machiavelli and Morgenthau argue that states will do anything to survive and get ahead in the international community. Not only do such interactions provide a platform on which states can outdo each other but it is also a way in which they can come together to ensure that their interests are met. Most of the research undertaken was from published books, articles, journals as well as relevant news articles. From this project, it is clear to see that the states are working together to preserve themselves economically as well as in terms of development. The Green Economy, while a great idea is difficult in some aspects to implement. This is because the world economy is a competitive and cutthroat arena in which countries feel the pressure from their citizens as well as the rest of the world to do better or in some cases to be the best. Many are reluctant to turn to a “green” way of soing things simply because it will push them back in terms of development. Some of the developing countries feel that they are on the short end of the stick whereby they are being forced to slow down the rate at which they are developing. This creates tension, which hinders environmental diplomacy to thrive. Based on these findings it is recommended that the Green Economy be more inclusive in terms of implementation as well as consider indigenous methods of environmental preservation that could bring about a more successful way of “selling” the Green Economy to the locals who will in turn push the policy makers to implement it. The Green Economy is a great premise to solving the world’s environmental as well as developmental challenges, but more can be done to refine this concept to make the goals a reality.