The Key Security Problems Related to the Pro-Environmental Economic Transformation and the Implementation of the Principles of Sustainable Development into the Economy

Weronika Jakubczak, Anna Golebiowska, Dariusz Prokopowicz, Ryszard Jakubczak
European Research Studies Journal, Volume XXIV, Issue 4 - Part 2, 218-250, 2021
DOI: 10.35808/ersj/2654

Abstract:

Purpose: The aim of this article is to describe the key security problems related to the pro-environmental economic transformation and the implementation of the principles of sustainable development into economic processes. The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) coronavirus pandemic on changes in the level of environmental pollution and an increase in the level of pro-environmental awareness of citizens was also examined. Approach/Methodology/Design: The main research methodology was based on the analysis of the results of scientific research and a synthetic description of the key conclusions drawn from the review of the literature describing various aspects of the analyzed issues concerning the key security problems related to the pro-environmental economic transformation and the implementation of the principles of sustainable development into economic processes. The research methods used in the study included critical analysis of the literature, comparative analysis, and analysis of the available data. Findings: The analysis of scientific data shows that under the anti-crisis, interventionist state aid programs offered during the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic for economic entities, the formula of reviving economic activity was applied, counteracting the rise in unemployment in a classic approach, i.e. basically without taking into account the incentives business to undertake pro-environmental economic ventures, green investments, significantly increase the scale of implementation of sustainable development goals. Only now is this topic appearing in some economic regions of the world, such as the European Union, which has an anti-crisis program to support economic entities with the use of public funds, which is to lift the economy out of recession, and takes into account selected sustainable development goals within the so-called New Green Deal. An important role in this matter is also played by the annual UN climate summits COP. Despite of all the initiatives, still the division between the richest and the poorest increases and creates tension on both international and international levels. The aforementioned results in security problems and increase of dangerous trends i.e., uncontrolled migrations than could be event greater in case climate change will speed up. Practical Implications: On a global scale, the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) coronavirus pandemic has caused problems in terms of scaling up the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. On the other hand, in many countries, during the pandemic, opportunities appeared to accelerate the processes of pro-environmental transformation of the classic economy towards a green, sustainable circular economy. Unfortunately, however, these opportunities were not used. Anti-crisis, interventionist programs of public financial aid were launched, offered to enterprises and companies in order to activate economic activity and limit the scale of unemployment growth. Unfortunately, this interventionist, anti-crisis financial public aid was not directed mainly at activating pro-ecological economic ventures and green investments. That can result in further increase of climate change related threats and lead to increase in increase of instabliliteis in cybersecurity, food security, access to water, uncontrolled migration, etc. Originality/Value: The main advantages of this article result from the multifaceted, synthetic and critical analysis of the data available in the source literature. The conducted research shows an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down the process of global warming and reduce the scale of the drastic effects of climate change over the next several decades. The SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) coronavirus pandemic increased the pro-environmental awareness of citizens, but did not significantly accelerate the processes of pro-ecological transformation of the economy.


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