OECD launches 'green economy' consultation with developing countries
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has launched a consultation with developing countries on green growth — just as these countries have been criticising the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) negotiations for being disproportionately dominated by the idea.
The consultation, 'Green Growth and Developing Countries', was launched yesterday (17 June) at the Fair Ideas Forum, a Rio+20 side event, organised by the International Institute for Environment and Development.
It will comprise high level discussions on a green economy draft document, to begin this week at the Rio+20 summit (20—22 June).
The concept of a green economy — one of two principal themes at the summit — has been heavily criticised by some developing countries.
The broad idea is to find ways of reconciling environmental goals with economic growth and poverty reduction — but it is open to many interpretations.
For example, there are fears that green economy policies could lead to economic adjustments imposed by the North, the erection of new trade barriers that would work against developing countries, and the corporate takeover of their natural resources.
Article continues at ENN affiliate, Science and Development Network
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