Publication Details
Abstract
The green economy has emerged as a pivotal strategy for aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability and social justice in response to escalating global climate challenges. Within this context, Iraq’s pursuit of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda underscores a critical need to transition from an oil-dependent economy to one based on sustainable practices, such as renewable energy, environmental protection, and social development. However, the country continues to face challenges due to insufficient investment in education, health, and green infrastructure, weak institutional frameworks, and the persistence of pollution and resource mismanagement. This research aims to evaluate the feasibility and impact of adopting a green economy model in Iraq by analyzing sector-specific performance (e.g., energy, health, education, waste management) and assessing policy alignment with sustainable development goals. The findings reveal that although Iraq has initiated several efforts toward sustainability, the contribution of green sectors to GDP and employment remains minimal. Environmental degradation, inefficient waste disposal, and low renewable energy integration hinder progress. This study provides a comprehensive national-level analysis combining socio-economic, environmental, and policy perspectives, offering rare insight into Iraq’s green transition trajectory. To realize the vision of sustainable development, Iraq must implement structural reforms, increase funding for human capital development, expand renewable energy projects, and strengthen regulatory frameworks to mitigate environmental damage and promote long-term sustainability.