Есonomic sciences / Investment

Turezhanov S., сandidate of Есonomic sciences

The Green Economy as a conflict-free path of economic development

The current model of the economy of Kazakhstan called «brown economy» , which is characterized by :

- dependence of the economy on the oil sector, mining and heavy industry;

Economic growth in Kazakhstan is based on intensive use of natural resources;

- tightening the requirement to comply with international standards causes a loss of competitiveness of Kazakhstan goods;

- dependence on extractive industries reduces the possibilities for innovation in other processing sectors.

Understanding the need to address these problems in the short term and in the longer term is reflected in government decisions in recent years. The basic contours of the future economy in Kazakhstan is reflected in the President to the people of Kazakhstan in the new Strategy «Kazakhstan -2050» [1].

The main goal to be achieved by the Republic in 2050, is the creation of a society based on a strong welfare state, in the long term, while not exposing future generations to significant environmental risks.

Currently in Kazakhstan started to implement large-scale project «Assistance to the Republic of Kazakhstan in strengthening inter-regional cooperation for the promotion of «green growth» and the implementation of the Astana Initiative».

The initiators of the project are the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan [2].

The aim of the project is to assist in developing a strategy for the transition to a «green economy».

UNDP experts exploring the state of the economy of Kazakhstan, identified five priority sectors for the implementation of the future strategy:

1. In the short and longer term, the economy of Kazakhstan will focus on energy from gas, oil and coal.

2. At present, there is a shortage of drinking water that meets regulatory requirements. Improving the welfare of the population is directly linked with sustainable access to quality and safe water.

3. Kazakhstan has accumulated significant industrial and household waste, due to lack of infrastructure for their processing. The challenge is in bringing the current level of waste to 70 % by 2020.

4. Proportion of national greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture is 10%. Investment of agriculture in GDP is only 5 %. This means that the industry has a great potential, which is not fully utilized.

5. Kazakhstan's transport system focuses on the use of diesel and gasoline, which gives 8 % of greenhouse gases. Industry's contribution is only 7 %. Consequently, in this industry also has the potential transition to technology «green economy».

Therefore, in order to achieve a holistic approach to «green transition» government should outline the balanced growth path. In order to achieve this transition, according to domestic and foreign scholars, the Republic of Kazakhstan should implement the following measures:

- promotion of environmentally sound technologies and the industry to promote renewable energy and environmentally friendly products in the field of food production;

- restoration of the environment from harm caused by rapid economic growth, intense emission of gases

- improving the quality of life of the population.

Certainly, the reorientation of the economy on saving «green technologies» requires resources and costs. But at the same time, it will give tangible benefits in the future, will make the engine of economic growth.

The main factors of the economic growth will be:

- activation of innovation:

- creating a modern infrastructure;

- welfare at the expense of more productive and sustainable use of biodiversity;

- the development of ecological tourism.

Thus, the need for sustainable development is a close relationship of the following components - economic, social and environmental. The concept of «green economy» is designed to ensure the coordination and interaction between these components, which would be acceptable to all countries, both developed and developing countries with economies in transition.

Bibliography:

1 Messege President to Kazahstan People in new Strategy «Kazahstan-2050» // 14.12.2012

2 United Nations Environment Programme // www.wikipedia.org