Paper short abstract:

The paper will argue that without adequate attention, the concept of low carbon development could become part of a legitimating discourse to neutralize radical visions that challenge prevailing structures of global economic injustice.

Paper long abstract:

Low carbon development and green economy are some the latest catch-phrases in global environmental sustainability discourse. These terms not only communicate new aspirations that economic growth can be de-coupled from environmental degradation; they also suggest novel ways of resolving intractable North-South disputes that have plagued international environmental politics for decades. This chapter will explore the normative content and transformational potential of low carbon development and the green economy. It will be argued that while these terms offer opportunities for progress, they do not represent 'golden keys' that will automatically unlock the doors to sustainable economic development for the South. In fact, there are grounds to believe that without adequate attention, the concepts could become part of a legitimating discourse to neutralize radical visions that challenge prevailing structures of global economic injustice.