THE GREEN
ECONOMY
A green economy is an economy that minimizes its environmental impact while maintaining economic growth and social equity. It is based on the principles of sustainability, which means that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework is a set of criteria used to assess the sustainability of an organization. It includes the following three pillars:
Environment
This pillar assesses the organization's impact on the environment, such as its greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste production.
Social
This pillar assesses the organization's impact on society, such as its treatment of employees, its impact on the local community, and its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Governance
This pillar assesses the organization's internal controls, its executive compensation, and its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The green economy and ESG framework are closely connected. The green economy is based on the principles of sustainability, which are also the foundation of the ESG framework. In addition, many of the practices that promote a green economy, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, also improve an organization's ESG performance.
How it connects
By investing in green infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and the circular economy, organizations can help to create a more sustainable and equitable future.
Green infrastructure
Green infrastructure is a type of infrastructure that uses natural systems to provide benefits such as flood control, water purification, and recreation. It is a key part of the green economy and it can also improve an organization's ESG performance. For example, an organization that invests in green infrastructure is reducing its environmental impact and improving its social impact by providing jobs and recreation opportunities.
Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is a type of agriculture that minimizes its environmental impact while producing food. It is a key part of the green economy and it can also improve an organization's ESG performance. For example, an organization that adopts sustainable agriculture practices is reducing its environmental impact and improving its social impact by providing food security for local communities.
Circular economy
The circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution. It is a key part of the green economy and it can also improve an organization's ESG performance. For example, an organization that adopts circular economy practices is reducing its environmental impact and improving its social impact by creating jobs and reducing resource consumption.
FOOD SECURITY
Investing in sustainable agriculture
The green economy can contribute to food security in a number of ways:
Increasing food production
The green economy can promote sustainable agriculture practices that can help to increase food production. For example, the use of renewable energy and water-saving technologies can help to increase crop yields.
Reducing food waste
The green economy can promote practices that reduce food waste, such as composting and donating surplus food. Food waste is a major problem globally, and it is estimated that one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted.
By improving access to food
The green economy can help to improve access to food by promoting policies that support sustainable agriculture and food distribution. For example, the government can provide subsidies to farmers who adopt sustainable practices, or it can invest in infrastructure that makes it easier to transport food to remote areas.
By improving access to food
The green economy can help to build resilience to shocks and stresses that can disrupt food security. For example, the use of drought-resistant crops can help to protect food production from climate change.
AFFORDABLE SUPER FARMS
Consider a farming system that allows you to cultivate lush, colourful crops while also raising healthy, flourishing fish in the same closed-loop ecosystems. Urban Farm Tech has spent a years in research and development in producing aquaponic and hydroponic technology that is affordable for local farms that still produces crops the traditional way.
Reduced water usage
Aquaponics and hydroponics use much less water than traditional farming methods. This is because the water is recycled and reused in the aquaponic or hydroponic system. For example, a study by the University of Arizona found that aquaponic systems use 90% less water than traditional farming methods.
Reduced land use
Aquaponics and hydroponics can be used in urban areas, as they do not require a lot of land. This can help to reduce the need for deforestation and habitat destruction. For example, a study by the University of British Columbia found that aquaponic systems can produce the same amount of food as traditional farming methods on 1% of the land.
Increased crop yield
Aquaponics and hydroponics can produce higher crop yields than traditional farming methods. This is because the plants are grown in an ideal growing conditions powered by a smart farming system. For example, a smart farming system that can monitor and control the nutrient concentration at an optimum level 24/7.
Resilience to climate change
Aquaponics and hydroponics with greenhouse facilities are more resilient food production systems than traditional farming methods. This is because they are not as affected by droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.