RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza- A green economy is defined as an economy that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment. Speaking about the green economy, Gazan environmental specialist Shahira Odeh told us that green means everything in nature that does not cause pollution and does not create any burden on the environment.

‘The term green economy was emerged due to the collapse of the global system’

Indicating that the green economy has many aims, Shahira Odeh said, “One of its aims is to struggle against poverty. Confidence in the green economy emerged because of the collapse of the global economic system. After the collapse of the global economic system, people began to be interested in the green economy and it has become a tool for creating job opportunities. The green economy accelerates the investment in the energy transition, through the deployment of renewable energies.”

‘Nonrenewable energy resources should be used carefully’

Pointing out that environmental resources need to be used carefully, Shahira Odeh said, “How to use environmental resources is very important. Nonrenewable energy resources should be used carefully because once these resources are used up, they cannot be replaced. Another reason why the interest in the green economy has risen is the 24 percent increase in the global population. In order to create clean technology, women should be role models in the effective use of recycling, renewable energy information technology, green transportation, electric motors and green chemistry, lighting and many other appliances.”

‘Arab countries are among the most vulnerable countries’

“Arab countries are among the most vulnerable to climate change, according to research,” Shahira Odeh said, “New ways should be found to reduce carbon pollution. An increase in average temperature in a region suffering from drought and water scarcity can cause a lack of precipitation and sea level rise.”

‘Women have an important role in the green economy’

Shahira Odeh thinks the green economy can be a main solution to the problems faced by vulnerable groups such as children, old people and people with special needs. “These groups will suffer more if effective policies are not implemented. Women play an important role in the development of the green economy. According to the World Bank, promoting financial inclusion for women will help achieve gender equity and poverty reduction.

‘Women have a leading role in the fight against poverty’

Noting that closing the gender gap in agricultural productivity could provide significant gain for society, Shahira Odeh said, “Women have a leading role in the fight against poverty. Women play an important role not only in agriculture but also in many other industries such as energy, water, waste recycling and tourism.”

Shahira Odeh also talked about women's political participation. “Women do not have the opportunity to actively participate in politics. The low women’s political participation causes women not to express their needs. Women should immediately realize their important role in various sectors of the green economy. They have power in taking responsibility for providing agricultural products, food security, water and energy.”