Biography:

Abstract:

Green Economies in the Arab Future: Challenges, Assets, and Possibilities

In 2012, the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment called for a paradigm shift in regional economies towards green and sustainable development. This sea change, they argue, is not a luxury, but a necessity. Rapid population growth in many Arab countries will continue to strain the region�s limited natural resources and harm fragile ecosystems. In particular, water scarcity, desertification, and other global climate changes will increasingly impact the survivability of Arab communities, especially subsistence farmers, refugees, and the urban poor. Likewise, quality of life may deteriorate for all residents of Arab countries if a comprehensive action is not taken to address the ills of air and water pollution, solid waste, and other environmental hazards.

The traditional industrial model of economic development has contributed to the proliferation of the aforementioned environmental problems. And movement towards green economies represents national and regional solidarity between the public and private sectors in addressing pressing issues affecting the human environment. Essentially, green economic models emphasize technological, process, and market-based approaches to reducing environmental risks while promoting sustainable economic development. The green economy has distinct values from the traditional economy, in that the green economy focuses on economic development through the prisms of environmental sustainability, social equity, poverty reduction, and social justice. In fact, the goals of the green economy are often in conflict with the interests of traditional economic actors which are profiting off of present arrangements. Fostering a political climate to transition towards a green economy is perhaps the most important role of the public sector and civil society. The diversity of Arab national contexts and economic realities must also be considered when conceptualizing region-wide approaches to green economic development. Countries undergoing armed or political conflict are likely unable to implement the same policy approaches as stable Arab states. Likewise, poor economies have much fewer resources to dedicate to green economic initiatives that have high initial investment costs. This is reflected in a recent OECD (2011) policy report on sustainable development that recognized �the necessity of (lenient) political regulations�not every situation lends itself to market instruments. In certain cases, well-designed regulation, active technology-support policies, and voluntary approaches may be more appropriate or an important complement to market instruments�.

According to a 2014 UNEP report, supporting green economy initiatives can pay major dividends. For example, adopting national green economy policies in Egypt might result in nearly $2.5 billion in annual savings for the agricultural and water sectors combined, while reducing CO2 emissions, water consumption, and solid waste production. The Arab Forum for Environmental Development has also released numerous reports highlighting the benefits of green economic development to the Arab region. However, in order to build momentum for any green economy movement in the Arab region, key public and private sector actors must implement funding mechanisms and policy frameworks that will enable this type of economic development. Harnessing broad ranging support from national and regional public, private, and civil society sectors appears to be the most realistic strategy to catalyze green economic models.