Sustainable Society Based on Green Economy
J pa a
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e s o ap c r h o se n e A p e t e r E G f r o a ai u e t l S n s S o a b
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o n y e
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June 2006
Japan Association of Environment and Society for the 21st Century (JAES21)
1. Approaches to Green Economy for a Sustainable Society
(1) Green Economy – the economy that supports sustainable society
In order to build a sustainable society, we need to achieve a secure balance among the three value standards of “economy,” “people and society,” and “environment.” The first value standard of “economy” is primarily measured in monetary terms. Spectacular development of global economy in the latter half of the 20th century has greatly improved the living standard of many in the industrialized countries and some in the upper segment of developing countries from material and convenience points of view. However, this system has fostered an excessive and lavish consumption pattern in the U.S., Japan and other industrialized countries, casting substantially negative impact on the world’s sustainability and the true affluence of people and society. The second value standard of “people and society” is defined as all elements associated with our social life minus the “economy”. This domain, therefore, includes such elements as health, security, equity, welfare and culture. In an industrial society such as Japan, we place emphasis on money and goods, and often find ourselves out of touch from our families, communities, or with our inner selves, elements that comprise an important part of this value standard. The third value standard of “environment” is defined here as the total system of natural environment -- the basis of all life forms -- that surrounds the man-made social system. Needless to say, this is under a grave threat as resources are being depleted, deteriorated or permanently damaged. The environment may not serve as the value standard that directly dictates our current generation, but we need to reaffirm its importance for the
n
e s o ap c r h o se n e A p e t e r E G f r o a ai u e t l S n s S o a b
c
o n y e
o t
c i y
June 2006
Japan Association of Environment and Society for the 21st Century (JAES21)
1. Approaches to Green Economy for a Sustainable Society
(1) Green Economy – the economy that supports sustainable society
In order to build a sustainable society, we need to achieve a secure balance among the three value standards of “economy,” “people and society,” and “environment.” The first value standard of “economy” is primarily measured in monetary terms. Spectacular development of global economy in the latter half of the 20th century has greatly improved the living standard of many in the industrialized countries and some in the upper segment of developing countries from material and convenience points of view. However, this system has fostered an excessive and lavish consumption pattern in the U.S., Japan and other industrialized countries, casting substantially negative impact on the world’s sustainability and the true affluence of people and society. The second value standard of “people and society” is defined as all elements associated with our social life minus the “economy”. This domain, therefore, includes such elements as health, security, equity, welfare and culture. In an industrial society such as Japan, we place emphasis on money and goods, and often find ourselves out of touch from our families, communities, or with our inner selves, elements that comprise an important part of this value standard. The third value standard of “environment” is defined here as the total system of natural environment -- the basis of all life forms -- that surrounds the man-made social system. Needless to say, this is under a grave threat as resources are being depleted, deteriorated or permanently damaged. The environment may not serve as the value standard that directly dictates our current generation, but we need to reaffirm its importance for the