Climate Action
East Asia is Backing a Green Economy
April 8, 2025
Have you ever wondered what the phrase ‘green economy’ means and is going ‘green’ just a fad or a trend — or can it actually boost the global economy? Like a lot of people do you naturally assume that being eco-friendly in business always costs us more and slashes profits? If so, this article might be perfect for you.
The United Nations defines the green economy as “low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.” In simple terms, it’s an economic system where economic growth and sustainability go hand in hand. Instead of harming the environment, governments and industries invest in environmental economic activities, infrastructure, and assets that allow reduced carbon emissions and less pollution.
These public and private investments also fuel employment growth and economic booms while ensuring a cleaner future.
The term “green economy” was first introduced in the report Blueprint for a Green Economy for the UK Government. It gained prominence in 1989 when the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published the Our Common Future report, also known as the Brundtland Report. The report popularized key ideas of the green economy such as sustainable development and the marriage of economy and ecology. These ideas of the green economy began to take shape as a concept linking environmental sustainability with economic growth, particularly in response to the need for more sustainable development practices.
It’s time to stop burning our planet, and start investing in the abundant renewable energy all around us.
Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
What Industries Make Up The Green Economy?
The green economy is a dynamic landscape made up of several industries dedicated to environmental sustainability and economic growth. It begins with sustainable agriculture, where farmers adopt practices like organic farming, crop rotation, and water conservation to reduce environmental impact.
Green construction follows, as buildings become more energy-efficient through the use of sustainable materials, better insulation, and eco-friendly designs. Eco-friendly transportation is another vital sector, with the rise of electric vehicles and public transit systems that run on renewable energy, reducing carbon footprints.
Finally, at the forefront of the green economy is the renewable energy industry, which includes solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. These energy sources do not produce greenhouse gasses and therefore do not drive climate change. It is energy that ends our reliance on fossil fuels and the damage they cause to both our environment and human health.
For years, we have been fed the lie that only fossil fuels can power the planet, that is not true. By the 2030s, the largest source of electricity generation on the planet will be solar power.
Denis Hayes, Organizer of the First Earth Day, Board Chair Emeritus of EARTHDAY.ORG
What Is the Green Economy Worth?
The global renewable energy market alone is projected to be worth $2.15 trillion by 2025. According to a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report, the global green economy market as whole is worth trillions of dollars.
Beyond that, in the United States alone, the green economy generates $1.3 trillion and employs millions of workers. This isn’t just a national movement. Countries around the world, especially in East Asia, are stepping up for a greener and safer future too.
Green Economy in China: A Game-Changer?
If we zoom in on China, the numbers tell us that China is a key player in the green economy. Concurrently China is also the world’s largest carbon emitter, accounting for 31.5% of global carbon emissions.
This is largely due to its massive industrial network, which houses nearly half a million industrial enterprises. At the same time, it is rapidly transforming into the world’s largest capacity for renewable energy generation.
When it comes to policy, China’s ambitions are clear. The 14th Five-Year Plan outlines their passionate goal toward carbon neutrality. From 2020 to 2025, China has set up a plan and target to decrease its carbon intensity by 13.5% for energy and 18% for carbon intensity per unit of GDP. Their progress is already visible. Last year, their emissions per unit of GDP improved by 5.5%.
Perhaps the most interesting figure is the amount of their investment. China invested about 6.3 trillion Yuan (890 billion USD) in clean energy transition in 2023, which is more than double any other nation in the world. For example, more than $50 billion went into photovoltaic (PV) industries since 2011, and China now supplies more than 80% of the global solar panel demand, from raw polysilicon to finished solar modules.
This also creates an estimated total of more than 7 million green jobs. China is not just participating in the green economy; it is dominating the global supply chain.
Green Economy in Japan: A Tech-Driven Transition
Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, has long been a leader in technology and industrial innovation. But when it comes to the green economy, Japan remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Despite its commitment to sustainability, as of today, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal still account for about 70% of its electricity generation.
To break free from this dependence, Japan launched The Green Growth Strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. It contains plans to expand renewable energy, invest in hydrogen technology, and enhance energy efficiency. By 2030, Japan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 46% from 2013 levels. Japan’s renewable energy sector is steadily growing. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind contributed around 23% of Japan’s total electricity generation as of 2023.
Moreover, major corporations like Toyota and Panasonic are at the forefront of battery technology and fuel-cell vehicle development. As a result, Japan’s green economy is expected to create more than 2 million jobs by 2050, further strengthening its role in the global clean energy transition.
This presents an enormous opportunity for entrepreneurs, industries, and those seeking well-paying careers. We acknowledge that our enthusiasm for clean energy faces challenges from well-funded misinformation campaigns — but by championing renewable energy in 2025, we can meet that challenge head on.
Tom Cosgrove, Chief Creative and Content Officer, EDO
Green Economy in South Korea: A Green New Deal for the Future
South Korea, the 10th-largest economy in the world, has long depended on fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas accounting for nearly 65% of its energy mix. However, the government has committed to reducing emissions and expanding renewable energy sources as climate urgency grows.
In 2020, South Korea introduced the Green New Deal. This aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 with an increment of renewable energy to 30-35% of total electricity generation by 2030, up from approximately 6% in 2020. Korea has made steady progress in that renewable energy accounted for 10.6% of the country’s total power generation as of 2023.
South Korea is backing its transition with massive investment. This year, it will allocate 73.4 trillion won ($56 billion) to support green infrastructure, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. Additionally, their key focus is hydrogen energy. Especially with Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, the government plans to build 310 hydrogen refueling stations by 2040. Beyond environmental benefits, South Korea is expected to create around 659,000 new green jobs by 2030, further strengthening its role in the global clean energy transition.
What Can We Do?
Renewable energy creates jobs, mitigates climate change, reduces electricity bills, and attracts critical investments—benefiting every corner of society.
Kathleen Rogers, President, EARTHDAY.ORG
Isn’t it fascinating that the green economy not only protects our planet but also drives economic growth and creates new job opportunities? The transition to a sustainable future is happening now, and you can also be a part of it without spending a dime.
If you’re passionate about supporting this global movement, join us by signing the Our Power, Our Planet Renewable Energy Petition! This initiative calls for stronger action on clean energy, and we will present it to the United Nations at COP30 in November 2025. Every signature matters and it will strengthen our voices.
There’s more you can do – support Earth Action Day, and honor the legacy of the first Earth Day – when 20 million Americans united to demand change and helped create the foundations for the global green economy. From that collective action, the environmental movement was born, resulting in landmark legislation and a growing awareness that a healthy planet meant healthy people. Whatever you do for EARTH ACTION DAY use our free Social Media Kit to amplify, share and repost about your actions – let’s make some noise!
Educate Yourself & Others – Knowledge is Power: Education is the foundation of meaningful environmental action. Earth Action Day provides an opportunity to learn about climate science, renewable energy and the impact of plastic pollution on human health. One million students in the U.S. are already committed to participating in Earth Day events – we are inviting everyone to join. Use these materials to get educated. Are you ready to make a difference? Great – join us!
