Sustainable development as a component of economic policy: case study: Greece.

Abstract

The last decades just a few things have happened for the protection of the environment and the sustainable growth, in comparison with those that happened for economic growth, without taking into consideration that environment should not be taken for granted. Αt the altar of wealth, money and promiscuity, people have commited many “crimes” which harmed our planet, hopefully not irreversibly. Although there are some legislations and reforms which were instituted for the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development, the measures have not been really strict and ususally, people were not willing to adopt “sustainable” practices in their everyday life or their businesses, as it seemed to be too costly. What people do not know – and this is the major obstacle for the adoption of sustainable practices – is that these practices may seem costly but only in the short-run. Sustainable development and its principles comes to convince us that in the long-run such practices are very profitable and also, can ensure us for a safe and healthy environment for the next generations, for the maintenance of our cultural and natural heritage. In other words, environment and economic growth are not “enemies” but “allies”. The following thesis, tries to give an answer – by analyzing the existing situation and by making recommendations - on how can these two (environment and economic growth) coexist, how could economic policy be sustainable and how sustainable development could become a part of our lives.