The Role of Strategic Visions in Promoting Environmentally Friendly Production and Consumption Patterns in Selected International Economies: With Reference to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2016-2022)

Abstract

This research aims to examine the role of strategic visions in fostering environmentally friendly production and consumption patterns across selected international economies, with a specific focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a model for oil-producing countries during the period (2016-2022). It seeks to analyze the impact of these visions on achieving a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. The study relies on an analysis of strategic policies and initiatives, such as Saudi Vision 2030, which endeavours to reduce dependence on oil (conventional energy) while promoting renewable energy and a green economy.The findings indicate that the studied economies pursue local strategies to achieve sustainable production and consumption patterns. In Saudi Arabia, however, the economy suffers from the dominance of the oil sector within its economic structure, resulting in high fossil fuel consumption and increased carbon emissions, alongside limited progress in adopting clean energy. Despite the introduction of certain environmental initiatives, Saudi Arabia’s production and consumption patterns have not undergone a significant qualitative shift toward achieving economic and environmental sustainability during the studied period. Although Saudi Arabia’s strategic visions are ambitious in aiming for sustainable development, they face implementation challenges due to economic reliance on oil production and consumption, as well as limited economic diversification. Consequently, the study recommends reducing pressure on natural and economic resources, formulating scientifically grounded and realistic economic plans and policies to transition toward clean energy, and directing investments toward sustainable economic sectors with comparative advantages in production to ensure balanced economic and environmental sustainability in these economies.