Green New Deal

I've seen lots of press coverage for this program and have pondered how their focus on clean energy and sustainable agriculture relates to the hospitality industry. I see the hospitality industry is a large player in the world economy, and in the environmental crisis.

I've heard the question asked by consultants if the recession we are facing supports withdrawal from sustainable operations. The quick answer is no. In fact, the hospitality industry can't afford to ignore the environmental issues and must be even more vigilant with its approach to business.

GEI anticipates economic returns of green-job creation and environmental stability as nations refocus their economic focus. This expectation is diametrically opposed to the previous 50 years of economic growth which accelerated the environmental decline we live in today. The GEI plans to develop a tool kit and comprehensive assessment to assist the world's nations make their transition to a green economy.

Green jobs may not directly impact the hospitality industry, but they will indirectly because the new, green technology that will be developed will help the various venues operate more efficiently. That efficiency goes to a business's bottom line and to the environments bottom line, environmental stability.

The hospitality industry will benefit from this transition and should take an active part in the GEI. Tourism uses energy, foods from agriculture, resources like water and wood, and contributes to carbon emissions. Efficiency and alternatives will contribute to the efforts the GEI is making.

According to Achim Steiner, the UNEP Executive Director, enormous economic, social and environmental benefits should arise from combating climate change and re-investing in the natural infrastructure. Benefits include new jobs in sustainable agriculture, conservation-based enterprises, and in clean technology and clean energy business.

The GEI was inspired by FDR's New Deal which ended the 1930's depression and was the springboard for 70 years of worldwide economic growth. Steiner feels there is a need for creative, forward-looking and transformational thinking into solving our problems. The Space Race saw a surge in new jobs as forward-looking and creative approaches were taken in the new field of space, much as can be expected now.

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, says Britain is committed to building a green economy.He feels this action plan is good for business, the environment and for development. He further adds that the green technology revolution needs to increase its pace to spawn jobs around the world in environmental industries. UNEP's initiative will help make this change, specifically in helping people understand how much they depend on the environment -- air, water, soil and biodiversity in plants and animals -- for their existence. Not only do people rely on the environment, but also most hospitality venues do to because it's the environment that ultimately attracts business.

The senior banker from Deutsche Bank, Pavan Sukdhev, feels the 20th century economic models are at their limits of what's possible. He means possible in terms of delivering better livelihoods for people living on next to nothing. Will the investments he feels will be pouring into the global economy soon go into the 20th century, short-term-thinking economy, or the 21st century, long-term green economy? He hopes it goes into the 21st century economy so everyone -- the poor and wealthy -- will be better off.

New job opportunities lie not only in areas outlined in the energy sectors UNEP sees and Sukdhev anticipates in the 21st century economy, but also in the field of energy efficient construction and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This Initiative is full of hope and promise for both the economy and the environment.

The GEI is being funded by the German and Norwegian Governments, and the European Commission. It came from a study that was commissioned by the G8 2006 summit about the economic value of ecosystems. The results of the study argue that the world is caught up in three interconnected crises: food, fuel and financial. That's stressing everyone.

We can all benefit from the kind of hope the GEI is offering. And we'll benefit more from an improved, sound economy and a healthy environment.