This compendium explores greening the economy on four levels – individual, business, city, and nation. It looks at the relationships between these levels and gives many practical examples of the complexities and solutions across the levels. Scandinavia, a pioneering place advancing sustainability and combating climate change, is a unique starting point for learning about greening economies. The study includes many initiatives implemented in Scandinavia since the 1970s that are all potentially useful for other countries and contexts. Throughout this compendium, the user will find many examples with links to relevant websites, documents and films.
Moving towards a ‘Circular Economy’ is an action that many world business leaders, policy makers, academics and NGOs argue is necessary in order to help solve global environmental and economic challenges.
Fossil-fuel subsidies matter: for sustainable development; for government budgets; for the poor; for women; and for the environment. Subsidies amounted to $544 billion (2012) and are largest in MENA and Southeast Asia.