Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
A number of challenges are affecting the global economy, including conflicts and war, record inflation, COVID-19 and environmental disasters.
Goal 8 and the environment
Prevailing patterns of economic growth are unsustainable and are driving the triple planetary crisis. At the same time, ecosystem degradation and insufficient adaptation and mitigation financing are severely limiting economic growth. Green and inclusive economic strategies and fiscal policies are needed to drive development without sacrificing the environmental systems and natural resources upon which economies depend.
Least-developed countries and Small Island Developing States require particular attention, as they bear the brunt of environmental challenges despite contributing relatively less to their causes. Addressing environmental challenges can also create new economic opportunities across all sectors. For example, a shift to circularity in plastics could save governments US$70 billion by 2040 and create 700,000 additional jobs.
UNEP’s work on Goal 8
Sustainable development is at the heart of decent work and economic growth. Some quantified estimates suggest that over half of the world's GDP is derived from nature, making environmental protection a prerequisite to economic growth.
UNEP works with governments and stakeholders to create opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation and improve access to financial services for all. By supporting green jobs, strengthening social protections, and promoting responsible and sustainable production and consumption, UNEP is helping to build a better future for people and planet.
This effort brings together a large network of banks, insurers and investors that collectively catalyse action across the financial system to deliver more sustainable global economies.
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity
This is a global initiative focused on making nature’s values visible. Its principal objective is to mainstream the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into decision-making at all levels.
Green Growth Knowledge Partnership
A global network of experts and organizations dedicated to providing the policy, business and finance communities with knowledge, guidance, data and tools to transition to an inclusive green economy.
This series of reports quantifies public and private finance flows to nature-based solutions, the extent to which finance flows are aligned with global targets and the investment needed to limit global warming to below 1.5°C, halt biodiversity loss and achieve land degradation neutrality.
Sustainable Trade in Resources
This report examines how multilateral trade rules and regional trade agreements can be used proactively to advance the circular economy and minimize the environmental impacts associated with resource extraction.
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