THE GREEN ECONOMY BAROMETER 2016

The Green Economy Barometer 2016 reports that while the transition to green economies is accelerating—marked by record investments in renewables and a maturing international policy architecture—it remains insufficient in depth and breadth. The report highlights a significant shift in investment toward developing countries and the emergence of ambitious national sectoral targets. However, it argues that structural reform is lacking, as most national plans ignore the informal economy and the needs of the poorest populations. The document concludes that the green economy remains politically fringe and requires a more inclusive narrative to achieve large-scale societal transformation.

• Investment in renewable energy has seen significant growth, with 2015 marking the first time that total investment in renewable power and fuels in developing countries exceeded that in developed economies. Furthermore, the amount invested in renewables in 2015 was more than double the amount spent on coal and gas-fired power generation, totaling $130 billion.
• Several nations have established ambitious carbon neutrality and sectoral targets. Sweden, Costa Rica, and Norway have committed to becoming carbon neutral within thirty years, and India has pledged to make all cars electric by 2030.
• Despite progress in green finance and technology, the transition is not inclusive. Green growth policies often focus on specific sectors and fail to consider the impact on the poorest or the informal economy, where up to 80% of people in the poorest countries earn their living.
• There is a growing trend of valuing natural capital within business and government, though this has not yet translated into core strategic action. For instance, the Chinese government is using zoning to protect 28% of its natural capital assets and paying 200 million people for restoration activities.
• Green finance is expanding through new vehicles such as green bonds, with record issuance in 2015. The G20 Finance Track, co-chaired by the Bank of England and the People's Bank of China, is working to increase the flow of green finance.
• The green economy remains outside the political mainstream in many countries, with progress often occurring despite government intervention. The report suggests that for the transition to take hold, political narratives must respond directly to the needs and fears of voters.

APA

Green Economy Coalition (2016). THE GREEN ECONOMY BAROMETER 2016. https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/assets/reports/GEC-Reports/Green-Economy-Barometer-2016.pdf

Chicago

Green Economy Coalition. THE GREEN ECONOMY BAROMETER 2016. 2016. https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/assets/reports/GEC-Reports/Green-Economy-Barometer-2016.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Green Economy Coalition |title=THE GREEN ECONOMY BAROMETER 2016 |date=2016 |url=https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/assets/reports/GEC-Reports/Green-Economy-Barometer-2016.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{greeneconomycoalition2016green, author = {{Green Economy Coalition}}, title = {{THE GREEN ECONOMY BAROMETER 2016}}, institution = {Green Economy Coalition}, year = {2016}, url = {https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/assets/reports/GEC-Reports/Green-Economy-Barometer-2016.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }