Global review and comparative analysis of the principles of "green transformation"
Abstract
The article presents a global overview and comparative analysis of the key principles, models and strategies of "green transformation" implemented in the leading countries and regions of the world. It is determined that the traditional economic model is unviable in response to the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, which necessitates the transition to sustainable development models.
The purpose of the study is to identify common patterns, national characteristics, successful practices and potential challenges in the EU, the USA and Asian countries, as well as to develop generalized recommendations to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy and society.
The analysis shows that the EU is a leader in the "green transformation" thanks to comprehensive regulation and ambitious goals such as the European Green Deal and the "Fit for 55" package aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The United States, on the other hand, relies on investment incentives and market mechanisms, in particular through the Inflation Reduction Act, to decarbonize the economy and stimulate investment in green sectors. Asian countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, India and ASEAN countries are demonstrating a rapid pace of implementation of green strategies, combining economic growth with sustainable practices, focusing on technological innovation and scaling solutions. It is established that all three regions - the US, Europe and Asia - are confidently moving in the direction of "green transformation", but their strategies are significantly different. EU countries choose the path of comprehensive regulation and deep internal integration (dominates the legal mechanism of public administration). The US focuses on market incentives and support national production (dominates the economic mechanism of public administration). And Asia countries show a considerable diversity in approaches: from centralized state planning and mass production to breakthrough innovative technologies, adapted to specific national needs and ambitions (the integrated mechanism of public administration prevails).
Generalized recommendations for accelerating the green transformation include the development of ambitious legislative frameworks, investment incentives, prioritization of technological innovation, an integrated approach to planning, infrastructure development, ensuring a just transition and international cooperation.
Downloads
References
Blomsma, F., Brennan, G. (2017). The emergence of circular economy: a new framing around prolonging resource productivity. J. Ind. Ecol, vol. 21(3), 603–614.
Borrello M., Caracciolo F., Lombardi A., Pascucci S., Cembalo L. (2017). Consumers’ perspective on circular economy strategy for reducing food waste. Sustainability, vol. 9(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su9010141
Buzogány A., Parks L., Torney D. (2025). Democracy and the European Green Deal. Journal of European Integration, vol. 47(2), 135–154. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07036337.2025.2459859
Fit for 55. Explainers. European Council. Council of the European Union. URL: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/fit-for-55/
Freitas A. S., Mwaniki G. (2024). Climate Finance in Africa. An overview of climate finance flows, challenges and opportunities. UNDP, September. 67 p. URL: https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-09/climate_finance_africa_v.6_lq.pdf/
Geels F. W. (2024). Advanced Introduction to Sustainability Transitions. Edward Elgar Publishing. 200 p.
Geels F. W. (2024). The Multi-Level Perspective on Sustainability Transitions: Background, overview, and current research topics. Introduction to Sustainability Transitionsс Research. URL: https://www.scribd.com/document/884463608/The-Multi-Level-Perspective-on-Sustainability-Tran
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. (2022). IRS. URL: https://www.irs.gov/inflation-reduction-act-of-2022
Kirchherr J., Reike D., Hekkert M. Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions
Liu Z., Deng Z., He G., Wang H., Zhang X., Lin J., Qi Y., Liang X. (2022). Challenges and opportunities for carbon neutrality in China. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, vol. 3, 141–155.
Palmisano G. O., Rocchi L., Negri L., Piscitelli L. (2025). Evaluating the Progress of the EU Countries Towards Implementation of the European Green Deal: A Multiple Criteria Approach. Land, no. 14(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010141
Ramalope D., Reynolds C., Ganti G., Welder L., Fyson C., Mainu M., Hare B. (2022). Renewable energy transition in sub-Saharan Africa. Climate Analytics. 67 р. URL: https://ca1-clm.edcdn.com/assets/renewable_energy_transition_in_sub-saharan_africa.pdf
Slowik P., Searle S., Basma H., Miller J., Zhou Y., and et. (2023). Analyzing the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on electric vehicle uptake in the United States. URL: https://theicct.org/publication/ira-impact-evs-us-jan23/
Stahel W. R. (2019). The Circular Economy: A User's Guide. Routledge, 102 р.
Steinberg D. C., Brown M., Wiser R., Donohoo-Vallett P., Gagnon P., and et. (2023). Evaluating Impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on the U.S. Power System. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, URL: https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/85242.pdf
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Enel North America. URL: https://www.enelnorthamerica.com/insights/resource-centers/the-bipartisan-infrastructure-law/
Tolliver C., Fujii H., Keeley A. R., Managi S. (2020). Green Innovation and Finance in Asia. Asian Economic Policy Review, vol. 16(11). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/aepe.12320
Zhang L., Shi W. (2025). The Impacts of the US Inflation Reduction Act on EV Supply Chains. Sustainability, vol. 17(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020653
Zhao Y. (2020). China in transition towards a circular economy: from policy to practice. Journal of Property, Planning and Environmental Law, vol. 12, no. 3, 187–202. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JPPEL-03-2020-0014
