UNITAR/UNEP e-Learning Course: Introduction to a Green Economy - Concepts, Principles and Applications
The concept of a green economy is receiving increasing international attention, as countries explore new patterns of development that take into account economic, social and environmental sustainability considerations. “Green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication” will be one of the main themes of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), June 2012.
Participants will learn about different concepts and facets of the green economy, as well as global, national and sector-specific challenges and opportunities to advance low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive development. Additionally, participants will begin to develop basic skills for applying the green economy concept in a real world economic, policy and/or personal context.
After completing the course, participants will be able to:
- Define the concept of a green economy and explain its value
- Describe social, environmental and economic benefits of advancing a green economy
- Identify enabling conditions for greening national economies
- Provide examples of successful green economy investments, initiatives and projects
- Identify principal challenges and opportunities for greening key economic sectors
- Describe national planning processes in support of a green transformation
- Recognize the range of international and regional green initiatives and support services to foster green development
- Apply the green economy concept to a real world economic, policy and/or personal context
The course is composed of 5 modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to a Green Economy: Rationale, Concepts and Principles
- Module 2: Enabling Conditions for Advancing a Green Economy
- Module 3: Greening the Economy: Sectors and Strategies
- Module 4: Developing a Balanced and Inclusive Green Economy
- Module 5: International Developments and Support to Advance a Green Economy
The course targets groups and individuals that are interested in obtaining a general understanding about the green economy concept and latest developments. They include:
- Civil servants in national Ministries, provincial departments and local authorities
- Diplomats from Permanent Missions and Ministries of Foreign Affairs
- Environmental managers in private sector and civil society organizations
- Faculty, researchers and students
- Interested citizens
Certificate of Completion
A Certificate of Completion will be issued by UNITAR to all participants who complete the course-related assignments and assessments successfully.
- Platform: Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7; MacOSX
- Software:
- Microsoft Word 2007/2010,
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (downloadable for free at http://www.adobe.com/)
- Browser: Internet Explorer 8 or higher, or Mozilla Firefox