The green economy is often portrayed as a win-win solution that reconciles economic growth with environmental sustainability. However, this narrative is increasingly contested, especially within the framework of capitalist market systems. This paper critically examines two dominant pathways toward a green economy—green growth and transformative green economy (TGE)—to assess whether green economies truly deliver win-win outcomes. Drawing on recent literature, case studies such as Shein’s greenwashing practices and Germany’s Energiewende, and long-term policy implications, the paper argues that while green economies hold promise, they are not inherently equitable or sustainable without structural reforms and robust governance.
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