News

Green transition creates $10.3T opportunity for the global economy by 2050, a new report finds

Kate Addlington Kate Adlington Global Press Office,London
12 January 2023

A new report from Arup and Oxford Economics estimates that new green industries could be worth $10.3T to the global economy by 2050, equivalent to 5.2% of global GDP that year.

While many see the green transition as a cost, the report demonstrates the substantial benefits and the need to move quickly to capture them. It includes three unique tools to help companies and policymakers identify opportunities and take the right action to capture them: A new taxonomy for green economic activities; a framework to identify which opportunities work best for which economies; and a policy action tool for policymakers in different contexts.

There has never been a better time to invest in the green economy, as a new report reveals that green industries – and their vast supply chains – could be worth $10.3T to the global economy by 2050 (in today’s prices). This would be equivalent to more than 5% of the global GDP.
 
The report, from sustainable development consultancy Arup and economics advisory firm Oxford Economics, gives organisations the tools they need to take action and adopt green technologies and practices.
 
Investment in green technologies, expertise and renewable energy sources is crucial to addressing urgent climate challenges.

The report highlights ways innovation and strategic policy-making can address existential issues for the planet in a way that also builds broad prosperity and social well-being.

It explains not just what the green economy is, its shape and potential, but also how its opportunities can be practically used to drive prosperity, inclusiveness and environmental sustainability, which will be crucial for a just transition.

Drawing on the work and expertise of climate specialists, economists and sectoral experts, the report includes three tools that help economic policy decision-makers identify the right green economy opportunities, and maps out the steps required to capture them – including how to build core capabilities and competitiveness within their local context. The tools include:

A new taxonomy for green economic activities
A framework to identify which opportunities work best for which economies
A policy action tool for policymakers in different contexts

As economists, we have to be honest about the fact that mitigating climate change will be expensive. But the transition to a carbon-neutral global economy also presents compelling opportunities. This study provides an original perspective on the commercial prize on offer for those enterprises and industries that move fastest and most capably to meet the demands of a greener economy.

Our hope is that as the world and its political and business leaders look towards another year of progress in advance of next year’s COP Summit, this analysis will provide a constructive contribution to their understanding.
Adrian Cooper CEO of Oxford Economics

Fear is a compelling reason to act on climate change, but we believe human ambition can be another critical driver of environmental action.
This report shows the green transition is not a burden on the global economy, but a substantial opportunity to bring about a greater and more inclusive prosperity.

Brice Richard Brice Richard Associate Principal | Strategy and Insights – Australasia Leader