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Climate change
Opinion

Five steps to a pollution-free planet with a green and growing economy

Erik Solheim says that only through action at the governmental, business and individual level can we achieve a clean and prosperous environment

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Turbines used to generate electricity are seen at a wind farm in Guazhou, in Gansu province. China has been investing in wind power, which is more cost-competitive than solar energy and partly able to compete with coal and gas. Photo: Reuters
Erik Solheim
For too long, prosperity or the environment has been seen as a trade-off, and pollution an unwelcome cost of industry.

But global trends show this is no longer the case, as the drive for a pollution-free planet provides an opportunity to innovate.

The unfolding energy revolution is a game changer. Falling costs from renewables like wind and solar power mean countries moving away from fossil fuels will reap economic and environmental benefits, with faster transport networks and flexible power grids.
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We now need to focus on intensifying and accelerating these trends to protect the environment, combat climate change and curb pollution. There are five critical pieces to this puzzle.

A worker inspects panels at a solar farm in Dunhuang, in Gansu Province. Photo: Reuters
A worker inspects panels at a solar farm in Dunhuang, in Gansu Province. Photo: Reuters

US report contradicts Trump team by claiming global warming is mostly man-made and the evidence is stronger than ever

We need political leadership and partnerships. A global compact on pollution would ensure sustained engagement at the highest level and make prevention a priority. It would also encourage policymakers and the private sector to integrate prevention into national and local planning, development, and business and finance strategies.

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