UN calls for development based on green economy

Jun 2, 2011, 16:22 GMT

New York - A green economy can foster sustained development in poor countries and reduce poverty, the United Nations said Thursday as government delegates strive to find ways to curb heavy consumption that depletes the world's natural resources.

Former Swiss leader Joseph Deiss, who is president of the UN General Assembly, said in opening the one-day debate on green economy that a new development model is needed.

'Our current consumption and production patterns impact too heavily on natural resources,' Deiss said. 'Biodiversity is being lost rapidly. We are reaching the limits of our planet's carrying capacity.'

A green economy, which demands in part development of an industry with less impact on the environment, would offer economic activities, job creation and improved living conditions in all countries, Deiss said.

The UN plans to hold a summit on sustainable development in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012. Dubbed 'Rio + 20,' it is tasked with finding ways to advance a blueprint on achieving a sustainable economy worldwide. The blueprint was adopted in Rio in 1992.

Thursday's debate on the green economy was designed to advance discussions ahead of the Rio summit. Government delegates were to break up in cluster discussions before putting together their ideas.