Prof. Dr. Haider Ali Al-Dulaimi
Al-Mustaqbal University / College of Administrative Sciences
Eradicating poverty in all its forms is the first goal of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations. This goal represents the fundamental foundation for achieving the remaining goals, as social justice and sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without addressing poverty as the most pressing challenge. In this context, the green economy has emerged as a strategic mechanism through which to achieve a balance between the requirements of economic growth, environmental protection, and the advancement of social justice.
The Green Economy and Poverty: The Dialectic of Interconnection
The green economy is based on directing economic activities towards environmental and social sustainability, ensuring growth without depleting natural resources or deepening social gaps. Its direct connection to poverty reduction is evident through several axes:
1. Economic empowerment of vulnerable groups by creating decent job opportunities in the fields of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management.
2. Enhancing food security through the implementation of environmentally smart agriculture, which increases productivity and reduces climate risks.
3. Reducing the cost of living by switching to clean and low-cost energy sources.
4. Improving public health due to reduced pollution levels, which reduces the health and financial burdens on the poor.
International Case Studies
• Morocco: The Noor solar energy project in Ouarzazate represents a pioneering model in the developing world. The project contributed to creating thousands of jobs during construction and operation, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and expanding access to affordable energy in remote areas.
• Brazil: Sustainable agriculture programs were adopted in the Amazon region, aiming to reduce illegal logging while providing alternative sources of income for local communities. These initiatives combine environmental protection with the generation of new livelihoods that contribute to reducing rural poverty.
• India: Through decentralized solar energy projects, electricity has been delivered to millions of underprivileged households in remote villages. This has had positive impacts on education, health, and local development, demonstrating the role of the green economy in improving human development indicators.
Finally, international experience confirms that the green economy is not a secondary option, but rather a pivotal entry point for achieving the first goal of sustainable development. It provides a common ground that combines economic growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Therefore, integrating green economy principles into national policies is a strategic step toward building a world free of poverty and better able to address future environmental and economic challenges.
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