GRE4801
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 19 MAY 2025
, GRE4801 Assignment 1
Question 1: History of the Green Economy (30 Marks)
Origin of the Green Economy (5 Marks)
The idea of the green economy first appeared in the 1980s as a response to increasing
environmental damage and the need for sustainable development. It was officially
introduced in 1989 through a UK government report titled Blueprint for a Green
Economy, written by Pearce, Markandya, and Barbier. This report aimed to show how
economic development can go hand in hand with protecting the environment.
What a Green Economy Entails (5 Marks)
A green economy is focused on improving the well-being of people and creating fairer
societies while protecting the environment. It supports economic activities that are low in
carbon emissions, use natural resources efficiently, and include all members of society.
Its main goal is to grow the economy without harming nature.
Historical Trajectory (Chronological Events) (10 Marks)
1972 – The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in
Stockholm brought global attention to environmental issues.
1987 – The Brundtland Report, also called Our Common Future, introduced the
idea of sustainable development.
1989 – The term green economy was officially introduced in the UK report
Blueprint for a Green Economy.
1992 – The Rio Earth Summit highlighted global sustainability goals and
introduced Agenda 21, a plan for environmental protection.
2008 – The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) launched the
Green Economy Initiative in response to the global financial crisis, encouraging
green investments.
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 19 MAY 2025
, GRE4801 Assignment 1
Question 1: History of the Green Economy (30 Marks)
Origin of the Green Economy (5 Marks)
The idea of the green economy first appeared in the 1980s as a response to increasing
environmental damage and the need for sustainable development. It was officially
introduced in 1989 through a UK government report titled Blueprint for a Green
Economy, written by Pearce, Markandya, and Barbier. This report aimed to show how
economic development can go hand in hand with protecting the environment.
What a Green Economy Entails (5 Marks)
A green economy is focused on improving the well-being of people and creating fairer
societies while protecting the environment. It supports economic activities that are low in
carbon emissions, use natural resources efficiently, and include all members of society.
Its main goal is to grow the economy without harming nature.
Historical Trajectory (Chronological Events) (10 Marks)
1972 – The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in
Stockholm brought global attention to environmental issues.
1987 – The Brundtland Report, also called Our Common Future, introduced the
idea of sustainable development.
1989 – The term green economy was officially introduced in the UK report
Blueprint for a Green Economy.
1992 – The Rio Earth Summit highlighted global sustainability goals and
introduced Agenda 21, a plan for environmental protection.
2008 – The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) launched the
Green Economy Initiative in response to the global financial crisis, encouraging
green investments.
