China joins alliance

Following the successful launch of the Global Green Growth Forum last year, new countries have been joining the alliance to promote concrete ideas and strategies to secure sustainable growth globally. China, together with Kenya and Qatar, has joined Denmark, Mexico and the Republic of Korea in accelerating the global transition towards green growth.

“We are delighted that more countries want to become partners of the 3GF. With the addition of China, Kenya, and Qatar, the Global Green Growth Forum is quickly gaining international stature with its focus on developing concrete ideas on the way forward through cooperation between governments, the private sector and international organizations.” – Minister for Foreign Affairs, Denmark, Villy Søvndal.

Diverse countries – shared interest in green growth
China is investing more than USD 350 billion on energy efficiency measures over the next three and a half years. Last year, China already was the leader in renewable energy investment with a figure of more than USD 52 billion. With China’s firm commitment towards maturing its clean energy sector, China will soon be the world’s biggest source of clean energy technologies. Qatar, as the world’s richest nation per capita, and one of the major natural gas exporters, has become a key nation to bridge our transition from a carbon-intensive to a low-carbon society, and is embracing green growth as a tool for regional and global economic stability. Qatar is also the host of the upcoming Doha Climate Change Conference (COP18) this December.

Kenya, as one of the fastest growing economies in Africa with an annual growth rate of more than 5%, is set to pioneer green growth concepts and set a positive example for its neighbors, bringing much needed political, social and economic stability to the region.

A fast growing market for green products and services
Studies on green growth opportunities from the OECD, UNEP and the World Bank conclude that the economic opportunity in ‘going green’ is worth several trillion dollars between now and 2030. The World Bank Report suggests that USD 1.7 billion of investments in land, water and energy could yield economic returns of around USD 3 trillion per year. Opportunities identified with these studies suggest a combined worldwide potential of USD 860 billion in annual resource savings in 2030.

“Investment in innovation to make the world more sustainable can kick-start the global economy. It is important that governments work hand in hand with the private sector to remove barriers and obstacles to green growth. The 3GF offers a platform for this and I am pleased to see more governments join and embrace sustainable development as part of their economic policies