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The 10 major trends of the Green Economy

 

What is the green economy?

 

The long-term vision is a concept that capital always has in mind. Markets, investors, and companies are increasingly aware that following a sustainable development model ensures profitability over time while climate change will have disastrous consequences for global finance in the not too distant future. In this sense, the world economy must evolve towards a sustainable economy, a low carbon economy, which is known as a green economy or ecological economy. Companies that move within the Green Economy are called green companies and if they also generate employment it is called green work.

 

The green economy is not incompatible with profitability, but it makes compatible the ultimate goal of economic growth and the creation of employment with the efficient use of natural resources called green work. The Spanish Green Growth Group understands that as prices incorporate negative environmental externalities, this economic model will become even more meaningful.

 

What are the 10 major trends of the green economy?

 

The green economy already offers valuable opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

 

These are the 10 major trends of the Green Economy to be taken into account by savers who wish to bet their money for this new economic model:

 

The circular economy

It is one of the most important trends in the green economy. It has become the ultimate goal of more and more companies. It pursues the change from a linear economy based on producing, using and throwing to a circular model in which both the entry of materials and the generation of waste are reduced. That is, the resources are reused to avoid the extraction of new resources and the generation of waste.

 

Responsible purchases

They have gained prominence in recent years. Now the suppliers of the companies must also be accountable to society and the environment. Not in vain, deforestation is closely linked to food and consumer goods, while minerals such as cobalt, used in mobiles, are a cause of conflict in some third world countries. But tracing the origin of each of the materials and components of a final product such as a smartphone is very complex without the help of new technologies. These also serve to make the extraction, transport and manipulation of resources more efficient, reducing the environmental impact of the activity.

 

The green infrastructures

The green infrastructures are taking root. It is about roads, bridges, means of transport such as railways or meters, water management systems, buildings, energy generation systems ... which take much more into account their impact on the environment. The objective is not only to minimize the possible negative impacts, but to maximize the capacity of resistance thanks to the use of nature's strengths.

 

The mining industry

This industry does not enjoy a good reputation, which has led the sector to seek cleaner solutions. Increasing efforts have been made towards more responsible mining, putting into practice greener technologies. Programs for the protection of biological diversity around mining sites have also been launched. On the other hand, this industry is characterized by requiring large amounts of energy, so it is betting on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

 

Sustainable agriculture

It is becoming a demand on the part of more and more consumers in developed countries. The most well-known aspect is organic production and even so it continues to be a minority in terms of production and consumption. But sustainable agriculture also implies a new methodology, a new way of doing things. In recent years regenerative agriculture is gaining ground, using techniques that reduce environmental damage and then intervenes in the environment to restore it. Technology is the key to make this metamorphosis a reality.

 

Carbon capture and recycling

The capture and recycling of carbon is possible. A small but growing number of companies are pushing forward projects to convert carbon captured in factories and power plants into products such as plastic or cement, among others. In addition to preventing the emission of greenhouse gases, it turns out that carbon is an economical material and that it provides the end product with greater strength and durability.

 

The corporate culture embraces sustainability

As shown by one of Facebook's latest incentives to its workers: a $ 10,000 pay for those who are going to live near the corporate campus. More and more companies incorporate objectives related to sustainability in their business culture and also offer incentives or advantages to workers to join the company's philosophy.

 

The revolution of local renewable energies

It is another great trend of the green economy. This revolution is bringing electricity to rural communities in remote areas, which had never had access to it, greatly contributing to the development of their economy. In India alone, an estimated 400 million people have no access to electricity. The growth potential is enormous. Technological advances, key to wind and solar production costs have been reduced to current levels, and phenomena such as the so-called internet of things are behind this revolution.

 

The collaborative economy

The collaborative economy is not only given between individuals, there is also the version for companies (the collaborative economy between companies), and the latter could soon eclipse the first. Cargomatic, for example, connects carriers with cargoes. For transporters, who sometimes drive empty vans until their next pick-up, it means taking more trips. For the companies that make the shipment, it is the opportunity to lower the shipping costs and offer a better service. And then there are the benefits for the environment, by reducing the number of trips. The business-to-business sharing economy is not only applicable to the transport of goods, it also serves to share unused office spaces, storage spaces, agricultural machinery, work equipment and services, commercial spaces ...

 

The blue economy

The blue economy seeks to take more advantage of the oceans while trying to protect them. These integrate a vast territory that occupies 70% of the surface of the planet and of which little is known. Many sectors that depend on the oceans: fishing, transport, tourism, leisure, extraction of raw materials ... Having more information about the oceans would mean improvements in management, reduce costs, increase efficiency, stimulate innovation and open access to new markets and capital flows. But a true blue economy must do more than prevent and minimize damage to the marine ecosystem. It should promote new business opportunities that monitor the health of the oceans, promote ecotourism, prevent deterioration and protect marine habitats, among other actions.

 

These ten major trends are just around the corner. The change of model towards a greener economy is getting faster thanks to the constant technological advances. The opportunities are there, waiting for some entrepreneurs to know how to take advantage of them. It is time to bet on the green economy, to invest in the key projects of a future that is already here. Whoever waits to get on this train runs the risk of letting go of a unique opportunity.

 

Images were taken from the site https://pixabay.com/.