University Rural Youth Awareness of the Green Economy Contribution to Achieve Some SDGs in Egypt

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the university rural youth’s awareness degree of the concept of green economy, the obstacles facing transformation towards a green economy, and the role of university education institutions in spreading awareness of the green economy concepts. Research Method: The research was conducted through random sampling of 330 students from the final year of the faculties of agriculture, agricultural engineering, engineering for boys, and engineering for girls at Al-Azhar University. Data was collected using a questionnaire form in a personal interview with the respondents from October to November 2022. Findings: 37% of the respondents were highly aware of the concepts of the green economy. The green economy can contribute effectively to achieving the studied SDGs. The transition to a green economy requires reviewing and updating environmental laws and integrating ecological considerations within the frameworks of national plans. The most important obstacles facing the transition to the green economy were the high cost of transition to the green economy, widespread unemployment, high poverty rates, and the lack of protection policies or additional incentives for users of the green economy. Originality/value: The transition toward a green economy depends on the extent of the youth’s awareness of what the green economy is, its importance, and the requirements for its application.