Public policies for green growth: The case of selected countries and Türkiye

The increasing awareness of environmental problems and the efforts of countries to transform their economic growth approach into an environmentally sustainable structure have led to the emergence of an environmentally friendly economic growth model called green growth. The green growth model, which is expressed as 'the most important necessity of the age' has a function that, on the one hand, protects the environment and, on the other hand, provides sustainability to economic growth through public policies. The green growth phenomenon has brought a new perspective to the long-standing perception of the positive relationship between economic growth and environmental damage. It has turned this relationship into a negative one by arguing that economic growth can cause environmental problems at a minimum level. Undoubtedly, the leading actor in this transformation has been the effective public policies implemented by states towards green growth. Considering the aforementioned issues, the study aims to reveal whether green growth is possible and whether the correct combination of public policies for countries can achieve this. Five countries were selected for the study based on specific criteria, and the public policies implemented by these countries were analyzed through content/document analysis. In this context, the concept of green growth is discussed, 11 fiscal, financial, and regulatory public policies for green growth are analyzed, and the public policies implemented by the five selected countries and the data obtained/calculated as a result of these policies are evaluated. Based on the analyzed policies and data obtained, deficiencies in the context of public policies implemented in Türkiye have been identified, and recommendations have been made. As a result, the study reveals that it is possible to realize green growth in developed and developing countries by effectively using public policies that consider the countries' specific characteristics.