Dilemmas and solutions for a sustainable green transition

Abstract

Mitigation of global warming and transitioning to a green and sustainable world are counteracted by a number of barriers and dilemmas. The paper analyses a number of these barriers and dilemmas in order to highlight efficient strategies and solutions for a sustainable development. Most governments in industrial countries do not pay enough attention to concepts as limits to growth in a finite globe and the importance of economic and social equity. They also overlook in practice the need for keeping at least 50% of known fossil reserves under ground in order to avoid a critical increase in global temperature. On the contrary, a number of industrial countries are now promoting exploitation of new fossil sources like shale gas and oil from tar sand. Reversing population growth facilitates sustainable development, but most governments of industrial nations appear to be more concerned about decreases in their population. The central problem is that limits to growth are not taken seriously by finance ministers in most industrial countries. This paper will focus on the consequences of limits to growth and the need for an alternative concept of employment and work.