THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN THE CONTEXT OF A GREEN ECONOMY

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability in the context of a green economy. The study is based on the assumption that economic expansion and ecological balance should not be considered as opposing development objectives, but as interdependent components of long-term competitiveness. The research uses comparative analysis, statistical observation and a small-sample OLS regression model to assess the interaction between GDP growth, CO₂ emissions per capita and renewable energy indicators in Uzbekistan. The results show that growth in transition economies can remain connected with environmental pressure when institutional, technological and financial mechanisms of greening are not sufficiently developed. At the same time, the expansion of renewable energy capacity and the strengthening of ESG-oriented governance create opportunities for gradually reducing this dependence. The novelty of the study lies in linking green economy theory with empirical evidence and policy-oriented recommendations for an emerging economy context.