English - Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente

UNEP/LAC-IG.XVII/6Page 17order to adapt to climate change. He added that technology is crucial to this end,but nonetheless creates a dependency on the available options. In the case ofUruguay, the energy grid has depleted the production of hydroelectric energy whileoptions such as wind and solar energy offer only limited solutions. Within thiscontext comes an extraordinary offer such as that of thermal power plants based oncoal, which Uruguay is resisting due to the impact on the environment.Nevertheless, the question being asked is how can this continue to be turned downin view of the need for social and economic growth. The representative ended bysupporting green economy measures in order to adapt to climate change but notingthe limitations faced in implementing cutting-edge technology that is not producedin his country.100. The representative of Guatemala requested a clarification regarding the costof 250 parts per million (ppm), since as far as he knows the cost is in the range of390 ppm. Furthermore, he stressed the introduction of the ecological footprintconcept. In this regard he mentioned the value of redeeming the knowledge andapproach used by indigenous peoples, which offer appropriate measures to adapt toclimate change. He continued by highlighting the problem that densely-populatedsmall countries have with bio-fuels, which at a certain point could affect foodsecurity and sovereignty, due to the substitution of land needed for food productionin favour of bio-fuel production. He ended his intervention by pointing out iconicexamples of cities that are working on their ecological footprint, together with aninitiative for organic agriculture in Costa Rica.101. The representative of Barbados requested clarification of the green economyconcept, which he understands as optimal use of natural resources, the availabilityof technology to reduce environmental impacts, and a reduction in the volume ofwaste, as well as development of a system that stresses equity in the distribution ofbenefits. The representative concluded by asking what additional elements have tobe considered.102. The representative of Cuba noted that green economy is a process underconstruction that requires taking into account specificities in each country. This newinitiative cannot be developed separately from fulfillment of the MillenniumDevelopment Goals and of Rio+20; otherwise the results obtained will not besatisfactory. She likewise suggested synergy with the initiatives for climate changeadaptation, ecosystems and biological diversity, which were discussed on day one.103. The representative from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela said that thepresentation provided excellent motivation for the forthcoming discussion. He notedthat a green economy is equivalent to sustainable development with an emphasison economic value. At the same time, he shared the concept of country specificitiesexpressed by the representative of Cuba when considering initiatives of this type.He highlighted that, in his view, the so-called “good investments” that derive froma green economy correspond to the developed countries, since they are thetechnology-providers and own the patent to such technologies.104. The representative of Peru underscored the rapport between severalinitiatives in his country and the topic of a green economy, including eco-efficiencyin the consumption of water, energy and paper. He agreed with the representative