Why is green growth vital for developing countries?

Rapid growth in many developing countries and increased inequality are contributing to looming environmental challenges that threaten well-being and risk to further increase social inequality and undermine growth for future generations. Chief among these environmental challenges are rising rates of air and water pollution, unsustainable consumption of water and other natural resources, and growing vulnerability – and contribution – to global climate change. This chapter outlines the features of economic growth and development today, including related environmental risks, and describes the many benefits of achieving green growth, illustrated by numerous examples from developing countries.