Survival of the Greenest

The pathways to economic development are changing. Environmental sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity to maintain a competitive edge in the global economy. Just like in nature where survival hinges on adaptation this Element shows how nations adjust to -and take advantage of- the new dynamics of structural transformation induced by climate change. First by analysing the uneven industrial geography of decarbonisation the inadequate state of climate financing and rise of green protectionism it demonstrates that the low-carbon economy stands to increase economic disparities between nations unless action is taken. Then by examining green industrial policies and their varied success it explains how governments can still join the green industrialisation race. Finally it examines how to adapt green industrial policy to different starting points market sizes productive structures state-business relations dynamics institutional layouts and ecological contexts. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.