Can investment in the green economy build an alternative economic system?
The world today is witnessing a rapid transformation in economic development models, driven by increasing environmental challenges and global awareness of the need to rebalance economic growth with the protection of natural resources. Amid this transformation, a key question arises: can investment in the green economy establish a more sustainable and equitable economic system?
The world is searching for environmentally friendly alternatives capable of creating integrated opportunities for youth—not only from an environmental perspective but as a real career path. This is exactly what the “Foras Khadraa” platform aims to establish: turning interest in environmental issues into practical opportunities and promising professional paths for young people.
While most youth are still pursuing traditional paths in search of stable jobs, a new pathway is emerging that redefines the concept of stability itself. The green economy is no longer merely a theoretical environmental concept; it has become a sector that generates real opportunities and reshapes the global labor market.
From Scientific Specialization to the Economic Model:
Through my specialization in plant protection, I realized that preserving biodiversity and seeking natural alternatives to pesticides does not only protect crops—it represents a direct contribution to an integrated development model that connects human well-being, equitable resource distribution, and the reduction of environmental risks.
Maintaining ecological balance within a small agricultural system reflects the philosophy of the green economy on a larger scale: prevention before treatment, efficiency before depletion, and investing in sustainable solutions rather than merely addressing the consequences of crises.
What is the Green Economy?
The green economy is defined as a development model aiming to achieve economic growth while minimizing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, this model relies on balanced resource use, reducing carbon emissions, and creating sustainable jobs that ensure continuous growth without compromising ecosystems.
Why is this sector expanding globally?
The shift toward the green economy is accelerating due to several factors, most notably:
Climate and environmental changes.
Growing demand for clean energy sources.
Increasing societal awareness of sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Countries such as Germany and Sweden have heavily invested in renewable energy, waste management, and environmental innovation, leading to significant growth in green jobs. This transformation is no longer limited to Europe but has become a global trend, supported by policies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Where are the opportunities for youth?
Opportunities within the green economy are diverse and span multiple fields, including:
Renewable energy (solar power, wind energy, green hydrogen).
Waste management and the circular economy.
Sustainable agriculture and natural resource protection.
Environmental entrepreneurship and green innovation.
The environmental field is no longer limited to volunteer work or community initiatives. It now includes international training programs, specialized scholarships, emerging jobs, and funding for green projects.
What does this mean for Arab youth?
The green economy opens a new economic window for Arab youth, especially amid traditional economic challenges. By acquiring sustainability skills, developing an innovative green project, or specializing in energy and innovation fields, young people can create a gateway to a growing global labor market.
Opportunities are no longer exclusive to developed countries; they are linked to individuals’ readiness and ability to acquire the required skills and keep pace with global transformations.
The Future Starts with Preparation:
The green economy is not a temporary trend; it is a valuable means of reshaping the global economic landscape. Those who start today by building knowledge and expertise in this field may become tomorrow’s drivers of this transformation.
By Nesrine Makahliya
Content Team – Foras Khadraa