Global crisis can lead to green industrial revolution

The global economic crisis could lead to a new "green industrial revolution," but developing countries will need strong support to ensure they do not miss the opportunity, the United Nations Industrial Development Organistion (UNIDO) said on Friday.

"We must make sure that the crisis is used to launch a new green industrial revolution. But it has to be a truly global one. Developing countries and poor communities, already the most afflicted by climate change, cannot afford to lose out," said UNIDO Director-General Kandeh K Yumkella.

"They will need continued support to make their industries cleaner, to enhance their technological know-how, and to build policy toward new green industries and renewable forms of energy for productive purposes."

Yumkella's comments came ahead of World Environment Day, the theme of which this year is 'your planet needs you! Unite to combat climate change'. "I'm certain a new industrial revolution is just around the corner, and this time it will be green," the Director-General said.

Acknowledging industries as the main source of emissions, he said that they should be in the driving seat to move the world towards a sustainable future.

"Cleaner production and renewable energy as well as resource- and energy-efficient technologies are set to change forever the relationship we have with our global commons," he added.