This document summarizes Session 7 of Module 10, which focused on green growth and sustainable development. The session objectives were to present the concept of green growth and its potential to drive sustainable development, and to show how information and communication technologies (ICTs) are important enablers of green growth. Green growth is defined as economic growth that reduces carbon emissions, increases sustainability, and strengthens climate resilience. Countries are increasingly adopting green growth strategies to transition their economies to greener models that create new jobs and industries in clean technologies. The role of ICTs in promoting efficiency, green growth, and sustainable development was also discussed.

1. Module 10
Session 7
(Seoul, Korea, 25 February 2011)
Session 7 Green Growth and
sustainable development
Richard Labelle
rlab@sympatico.ca

2. 2
Objectives of Module 10
To show that ICTs can be used to
address climate change
To demonstrate why ICTs are a
crucial part of the solution – i.e. in
promoting efficiency, Green Growth
& sustainable development

3. 3
Objectives of Session 7
To present the concept of Green
Growth and its potential for
sustainable development and
To show how ICTs are an important
if not essential driver of Green
Growth.

4. What is a Green Growth – the context
4
(1)
In 2007-2008: IPCC Fourth
Assessment Report, Stern Report,
Bali Conference, Nobel Peace Prize,
etc. highlighted problem of climate
change
Global recessions hits

5. What is a Green Growth – the context
5
(2)
Rapid increase in oil prices
Stimulus to jump start the economy
Also an opportunity to address some CC
related issues
Countries started investing in clean
technologies

6. What is a Green Growth – definition
6
It is economic growth and
development while reducing carbon
emissions, increasing sustainability,
and strengthening climate resilience
(According to the Global Green Growth
Institute (GGGI) in Korea)

7. 7
According to the OECD
Green growth is gaining support as a
way to pursue economic growth and
development, while preventing
environmental degradation,
biodiversity loss and unsustainable
natural resource use.

8. 8
According to the OECD
It builds on existing sustainable
development initiatives
Seeks to identify cleaner sources
of growth, including seizing the
opportunities to develop new
green industries, jobs and
technologies, while also managing
the structural changes associated
with the transition to a greener
economy

9. 9
Korea: Greening the economy
To use Green Growth idea to
restructure and strengthen the
economy
Change the consumption and
production patterns
Create new “green collar” jobs and
green industries.

10. Korea funds Green New Deal & to invest 90
10
B $ @ 5 yrs

11. 11
B $ @ 5 yrs

12. Korea Green Growth goals & indicators
12

13. 13
At international level
OECD has begun work on a Green
Growth strategy

14. 14
What to do next?
Need to continue to raise awareness
wide ranging impacts of climate
change
Need to raise awareness of benefits
of role of ICTs for promoting Green
Growth and sustainable development
For countries: assess where the
greatest impact is likely to be:

15. Rapid assessment of benefits of using
15
smart technologies / ICTs
Quick in country / town /
organization assessments of
abatement of using ICTs
Can be done quite readily: info probably
exists about sectors in greatest need of
abatement
Undertake rapid energy / environmental
impact audits

16. Rapid assessment of benefits of using
smart technologies / ICTs
Consult extensively with stakeholders &
experts in country
Consider potential advantages and
disadvantages Build different scenarios:
16
Discuss with stakeholders
Make suggestions for next steps.

17. 17
Discussion