GREEN ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Аннотация

The article analyzes the importance of environmental protection and the “green” economy, discusses existing problems and methods for solving them. The results of research that have scientific and practical significance are presented. The features of the development of the green economy are characterized, and the main methods of investing in the green economy are outlinedas akeyfactor insolving environmental problems. Keywords:green economy, environmental protection, sustainable development, environmental problems, renewable energy sources, resource conservation. In Uzbekistan, 2025 has been declared the Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced this on November 20 while addressing a session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. The head of state noted that today, the negative consequences of climate change are felt not only in Uzbekistan but also in many countries around the world. Air and water pollution, soil erosion, desertification, and the uncontrolled use offossil fuels contribute to global warming, an increase in natural disasters, and severe damage to the environment and public health. Like other Central Asian countries, Uzbekistan is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This issue threatens natural capital, the agricultural sector, including land and water resource use, and increases the risk of natural disasters. According to the global ND-GAIN index (The Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative), which compares countries' adaptation levels to climate change, Uzbekistan ranked 65th out of 187 countries based on 2022 results. About 70% of development issues in Central Asia are related to water shortages. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), Uzbekistan is among the 25 countries most exposed to water stress, and climate change further exacerbates the problem of water scarcity. The country's economy ranks fifth in the world in terms of greenhouse gas emissionsintensityand accounts fornearly half ofemissionsfrom energy use. Uzbekistan announced its new climate goal—to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030—at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP-26) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Glasgow, UK, in 2021. In recent years, several strategic documents and decrees have been adopted and implemented in the country, including a presidential decree approving the National Strategy for Transition to a Green Economy for 2019–2030 and the establishment of an Interagency Council on the Green Economy. Uzbekistan has launched the nationwide initiative "Green Space" and has begun implementing a Regional Climate Strategy in cooperation with neighboring countries. Additionally, the University of Central Asia was established in Tashkent, specializing in the study of climate change and environmental issues. page180 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue02,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai In the context of global environmental challenges, the concept of a "green" economy is becoming increasingly relevant. It is an economic model based on the principles of sustainable development, which seeks to consider environmental factors in economic sector development. Environmental protection issues continuously accompany these initiatives, driving the introductionof innovativeand eco-friendly technologies. Amid global environmental challenges, the concept of a "green" economy is gaining increasing importance. It aims to harmonize economic growth with environmental protection and the rational use of resources. This is particularly crucial for countries striving for sustainable development, suchas Uzbekistan. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the "green" economy contributes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, increasing resource efficiency, and promoting social inclusivity. The Great Russian Encyclopedia highlights that this economic model emphasizes comprehensive economic, social, and environmental development. Uzbekistan has adopted various strategies and programs aimed at transitioning to a "green" economy and environmental protection. The concept of a "green" economy is widely discussed in scientific literature. Research indicates that sustainable development requires a comprehensive approach, integrating economic, environmental, and social aspects. Policymakers in different countries demonstrate diverse approaches to adopting clean technologies, as reflected in the works of leading experts in this field. This study employs methods of systematic analysis and comparative approaches. An analysis of national and international documents, statistical data, and previous research on the "green" economy and environmental protection has been conducted. For data analysis, statistical methods, a comparative analysis of the economic efficiency of "green" te