A Systemic Solution to Achieving Green Transition

In: World futures review: a journal of strategic foresight, Band 5, Heft 2, S. 153-176

Abstract

At a time when the gap between rich and poor is growing, and widespread economic instabilities are severe, people are placing great hopes on the effort to develop a global green economy. Yet 60 percent of the ecosystem goods that support human life and well-being have already been degraded or are currently being used in an unsustainable manner. By comparing problems and achievements relative to green development in two of the world's most influential nations—the United States and China—this paper addresses the following related questions: "Where does the problem lie?" and "What should we do?" To help further promote dialog, we report on current conditions in China, as well as recent initiatives in the United States, and propose systemic and integrative approaches for developing green economies worldwide.