23 August 2013: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched a report titled ‘Green Economy Modelling Report of South Africa – Focus on Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Transport and Energy Sectors,’ developed with technical assistance from the Millennium Institute and the Sustainability Institute, in collaboration with the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies of the Stellenbosch University. The study assesses the impacts of green investments in four of the country’s key economic sectors: agriculture, energy, transport and natural resource management.

According to the study, by taking a green economy approach, including through investing in low-carbon technologies, green buildings, and renewable energy, South Africa can support the same level of economic growth and create jobs, while producing lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and cause less environmental damage.

Key findings of the study include that green economy investments in South Africa can contribute to 46% more restored land by 2030, and greater water availability, without reducing the amount of land for agriculture. The study also finds that in the agriculture sector, investment in ecological practices could increase crop yields by as much as 23.9% by 2030, while avoiding further carbon dioxide emissions. The study indicates that green investment in the transport sector is currently insufficient to meet the country’s 2005 energy efficiency goals. It recommends applying an aggressive green economy investment strategy in the energy sector, arguing that such an approach would reduce energy demand, and increase the country’s electricity diversification mix. [UNEP Press Release] [Publication: Green Economy Modelling Report of South Africa]