There is no role for the dilletantes playing their environmental virtue in a recovering economy.

By integrating these green and blue economic strategies, including the new ideas of foreign investment in construction and eco-tourism development, Syria can not only rebuild but also transform into a sustainable, resilient, and economically diverse nation.

Dear Dr. Reem Hasan Obaydo. Thank you very much for the great value you added. But there are critical elements in achieving all of the above, which are governance, the rule of law, and good political will and management.

Reem Hasan Obaydo

These appear to be largely woke, posturing initiatives looking for external funding. Seaweed farming for fertilizer and ecotourism do not stand out as economic drivers.

Phil Geis Thank you, DR Phil, for your perspective. It's true that in the face of Syria's immediate crises, initiatives like eco-tourism and seaweed farming might seem less impactful. However, these green economy strategies are part of a long-term vision for sustainable development. While the primary focus should undoubtedly be on immediate relief and reconstruction, integrating sustainable practices could pave the way for a resilient and economically diverse future. Effective governance and international support are key to making these initiatives successful. Your skepticism is understandable in the current context, and it's important to balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability goals.

Reem Hasan Obaydo

Thank you. I just do not see the potential as realistic - but please elaborate. What is the financial projection for long term sustainable development? Sustainable development requires external resources and funding and the relevant return will be slow, incremental and more cost avoidance and wealth generating. Even assuming the violence and instability of this country are resolved, ROI is not competitive, esp. versus the reported profits from its narcostate production - that itself will deter external investment.

Phil Geis Thank you for your thoughtful question. You're right in noting that the financial return from sustainable development in a challenging environment like Syria's can initially be slow and more focused on cost avoidance and long-term sustainability rather than immediate, high-profit returns.

To illustrate the current environmental and economic situation, consider the widespread use of fuel-powered generators in Syria. These generators, a necessity due to the unstable electricity supply, emit substantial CO2 daily. This situation not only contributes to environmental degradation but also reflects the underlying energy challenges that sustainable development can address.

Regarding narcostate activities, it's important to note that they involve a very small fraction of the Syrian population, less than 5%. The majority of Syrians are ordinary people affected by the crisis, not involved in these activities, and are in need of sustainable economic opportunities.

In terms of financial projections, sustainable projects such as renewable energy initiatives offer long-term economic benefits. Initially, the ROI might seem modest compared to high-profit ventures like narcostate activities. However, sustainable development promises more stable and inclusive economic growth in the long run. It creates jobs, reduces environmental impact, and fosters a healthier society.

Therefore, while the immediate financial gains might not be as large as other more lucrative activities, the long-term benefits of investing in sustainable development are multi-faceted – contributing to economic stability, environmental health, and social wellbeing. This holistic approach is crucial for a war-torn country like Syria, where rebuilding a resilient and sustainable economy is essential. Your support and investment in these initiatives can make a significant impact on the nation's recovery and future prosperity.

The concept of a green economy can play a significant role in the recovery of countries facing severe crises, such as Syria. Here are some key ways in which the green economy can contribute to recovery:

However, it's essential to acknowledge that implementing a green economy strategy requires careful planning, effective governance, and international collaboration. Moreover, the specific circumstances and challenges in Syria, including political stability, security, and infrastructure constraints, must be taken into account when developing and implementing such strategies. The transition to a green economy should be part of a comprehensive and inclusive recovery plan that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by the country.

Dear Dr. Ahmed, all thanks and appreciation to you and for the information and valuable addition that you mentioned. Thank you again.

Ahmed Emad Fathy Abbas

To you and Dr. Obaydo.

The points raised are largely if not entirely conceptual/subjective. Economic recover demands creation/importation of wealth. Please explain how these will generate substantial wealth - other than establishing Syria as supplicant.

Phil Geis Certainly, let's delve into more practical aspects of how green economy initiatives can contribute to wealth creation in the context of Syria or any country recovering from severe crises:

It's important to note that the success of these initiatives depends on effective governance, infrastructure development, access to finance, and a conducive business environment. Additionally, international partnerships and support can play a crucial role in facilitating technology transfer, providing financial assistance, and creating market opportunities for green products and services.

Overall, the green economy can contribute to wealth creation by fostering sustainable economic activities, reducing resource dependencies, and tapping into global markets for environmentally friendly products and services. The goal is not to make Syria a supplicant but to empower it to build a resilient and self-sustaining economy.

Ahmed Emad Fathy Abbas

All that is so much virtue enviro signaling talk. Monetize please - leave out the enviro charity.

Please remember al Assad is in power, the western world has ostracized Syria, Hezbollah lurks in the south and the drug business is the best in the country.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/10/middleeast/syria-drugs-bargaining-chip-mime-intl/index.html

It is ludicrous to assume Western world enviro BS will drive the Syrian economy.

All thanks and respect to you, Dr. Ahmed Emad Fathy Abbas for the valuable additions. Dr. Phil Geis cannot be answered because he is speaking from a political and perhaps ideological background. He does not know that you and I are talking about the green economy and institutions only. I am convinced that the worst thing human thought has produced is ideology (religion, politics), and it is one of the biggest obstacles to achieving sustainable development in any country, especially in small countries.

Sabri Hasan

That is absolutely incorrect. I am speaking to the REALITY.

1) The failure of those offering the feel enumerated good proposals to monetize - to establish compelling, necessary value.

2) The context in which these Western fantasies are to be applied.

I do know you are talking about the so-called green economy. This is a fantasy that has no reality or value.

It needs no convincing that you folks are playing in an environmental/economic cartoon of no substance.

Dear Dr. Phil Geis, I completely agree with you about the possibility of implementing the green economy and achieving the conditions and factors for sustainable development in the world, especially in developing countries, but there is no solution for humanity other than applying sustainability in all areas of life, otherwise the extinction of the human race will inevitably come with the blatant violation of the environment and climate.

Dear Dr. Phil Geis, I completely agree with you about the possibility of implementing the green economy and achieving the conditions and factors for sustainable development in the world, especially in developing countries, but there is no solution for humanity other than applying sustainability in all areas of life, otherwise the extinction of the human race will inevitably come with the blatant violation of the environment and climate.

Sabri Hasan

Inevitable extinction of the human race, blatant violation of the environment and climate. Good grief – such childish anguish in an educate person is surprising. It speaks to the absence of critical thinking.

You and others above know nothing re. the realities of this discussion. I’ll offer some specifics below. As bona fides, I’m a PhD scientist formerly involved in/managed waste policy (solid, air emissions) for a multi 10’s billion $ global company, served two terms on the solid waste comm of a major US city, currently assoc editor for a sci. jounral devoted to biodegradation of materials.

Bottom line – there is NO green economy, NO circular economy. These are enviro fantasies.

Specifics

1) Renewable energy is an affectation of wealthy countries unconfidently serving a small% of their power needs. Beyond whining for damage funds at next COP, no service to economic recovery esp. vs Syria’s petroleum industry.

2) Green infrastructure these offer no great value over any infrastructure investment. They are more expensive, often employ/install unvalidated concepts and payback in energy is slow and arguable.

3) Sustainable agriculture. Right – government is so wise, so much more so than farmers themselves. You folks have no idea what this even means.

4) Eco tourism – to Syria. Again, you folks have no idea what this means or its value.

5) "Encourage" circular economy. This useless comment speaks for itself..

The sophomoric listing of so many, as tho’ the sheer number of points guarantees impact, is intellectually dishonest. Of course none is monetized, none of you has any knowledge of reality beyond the description/advertisement.

Yes, we need a green economy; 'A green economy is defined as low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive. In a green economy, growth in employment and income are driven by public and private investment into such economic activities, infrastructure and assets that allow reduced carbon emissions and pollution, enhanced energy and resource efficiency, and prevention of the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Ref: https://www.unep.org/regions/asia-and-pacific/regional-initiatives/supporting-resource-efficiency/green-economy#:~:text=In%20a%20green%20economy%2C%20growth,of%20biodiversity%20and%20ecosystem%20services.

If we don't have a global green economy SOON, global problems may become impossible to overcome.

Dear Mary C R Wilson

Thank you very much for adding value.

Mary C R Wilson

I understand the sentiment but there is no such thing as a green economy anywhere and any effort the monetize the theory shows it without economic value.

Dear Dr. Phil Geis

Your opinion may be true for you. But it is absolutely wrong because the current facts of environmental and climate change confirm that the large consumption of natural resources and the lack of compensation for them are the reason behind these natural disasters. Therefore, natural capital cannot be preserved except with a green economy based on the use of renewable energy, recycling resources, reducing carbon emissions, and developing Forestry and treatment of liquid and solid waste.

Sabri Hasan

My point is absolutely correct. Your question was economic recovery - esp. re. Syria. All the scaremongering enviro BS has nothing to do with the premise you established.