Environmental threats related to global climate change and environmental degradation have been at the forefront of global development risks in recent years. The United Nations and its specialized agencies, the G20 and G7, and the World Economic Forum confirm this. These growing threats have changed the world`s political agenda to restore natural ecosystems adhering to the principles of economic efficiency, social justice, and sustainable development. Trends of the first two decades of the XXI century created a “window of opportunity” for radical reforms and the transition to principles of “green” economic development. It has gained popularity at international, regional, and national levels, becoming, on the one hand, a response to the global financial crisis and, on the other hand, a driver of the transition to a new model of growth. Technological progress, economies of scale and political elites` support have contributed to accumulating “green” investment. In addition, national programs and strategies aimed at “green” growth have determined the redistribution of domestic finance and foreign investment.
In the context of the “green” economy concept preventing the spread of environmental threats requires long-term investment and integrated approaches. Changing the “trajectory” of the world economy towards sustainable development determines the desire of governments, TNCs, institutional investors, and households to mobilize “green” investment in low-carbon and climate-resistant infrastructure, renewable energy resources, low-emission transport, sustainable agriculture and forestry, and energy-efficient construction; implementation of clean technologies; enhancement of waste management system.
Green investment help reduce GHG emissions, streamline waste management, manage wastewater, effectively address various environmental risks, maintain ecosystem stability, implement energy efficiency measures and develop renewable energy and environmentally friendly technologies. The benefits of “green” investment that can be experienced in economic sectors are apparent, as they have a powerful influence on the SDG`s implementation. Such investment can have a positive impact on the country`s energy balance, increase the level of energy efficiency of the economy and the competitiveness of products, as well as the solvency of the population in terms of payments for housing and communal services. They can create new (“green”) jobs and provide decent wages to employees. Increasing “green” investment in the world's economy is a medium-term climate goal and an opportunity to strengthen the energy security of each country.
The study was prepared as part of a monograph “Innovations for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: Science, Education and Economics”
The main text is available at the link: https://www.vspv.si/uploads/visoka_sola/datoteke/mono_2022_-_slovenia_13.06_cover_added3_final_1.pdf
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