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UN Report: Green Policies Could Add $20 Trillion to Global Economy by 2070
Henry Naminde
December 09, 2025
The United Nations Environment programme (UNEP) report warns that the world is losing trillions of dollars every year due to climate change, pollution and bio diversity loss but says a rapid shift to green policies could instead save millions of lives and reduce poverty.
The Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-7) released at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, is the product of 287 multi- disciplinary scientists from 82 countries which states that environmental degradation is already inflicting staggering economic damage driving rising inequality, but a decisive shift in global system could deliver at least US $20 trillion in annual economic benefits by 2070.
A Crossroads For Humanity
According to the report five interconnected crisis such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution land degradation and unstable resources use are undermining global prosperity. Greenhouse gas emission has risen by 1.5% annually since 1990, reaching a new high level in 2024.Meanwhile, upto 40% of global land is degraded, one million species face extinction, and polution causes nine million premature deaths every year.
UN Environmental Programme Executive Director Inger Andrsen said the world now faces a clear choice.
Inger Andersen,Executive Director UNEP, Speaks to journalists during the UNEA-7 Climate Summit on Tuesday,Dec. 9, 2025 Nairobi,Kenya.(Photo/Henry Naminde)
Countdown the road to a future devastated by climate change, dwindling nature, degraded land and polluted air or change direction to secure a healthy planet, healthy people and healthy economics.This is no choice at all,” she said
Five Systems Must Change
The report highlights five key systems where sweeping reforms are essential.
Economy and Finance
Shift beyond GDP towards metric that value human and natural capital;Redirect harmful subsidies and tax incentives.
Materials and Waste Promote sustainable consumption habits;Support regenerative and circular business model.
Energy
Fully decarbonize energy system;Boost efficiency;Expand access to clean energy
Food System
Promote nutritious sustainable diets;Cut food loss and waste;Improve resource efficiency in agriculture.
Environment and Nature
Scale up ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation; Prioritize climate adaptation and resilience
A Call For Collective Action
GEO-7 urges governments, multilateral institutions, businesses and citizens to recognize the urgency of the crisis and work together to implement integrated policies capable of delivering a sustainable, prosperous and equitable future.
Photo Gallery
Delegates walks near flags at the United Nations Environmental Programme headquarters in Nairobi,Kenya on Tuesday,Dec.9,2025.The United Nations Environment Assembly are currently meeting in Nairobi to discuss how countries can work together to tackle environmental crisis like climate change and pollution.(Photo/Henry Naminde)
Delegates gather at the U.N. Environment Assembly(UNEA) held at the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya,Tuesday, Dec9, 2025.Delegates met to discuss Global Environment Outlook(GEO-7). (Photo/Henry Naminde)
During the U.N Environment Assembly(UNEA) held in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday,Dec 9, 2025,Delegates came together to discuss the way forward on environmental crisis. (Photo/Henry Naminde)
Prof. Ying Wang GEO-7 Assessment Co- chair, left, Inger Andersen,Executive Director UNEP ,Center, Robert Waston GEO-7 Assessment Co- chair, right, Poses for for a photo as they launch the GEO-7 report at U.N. Environment Assembly(UNEA) in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025.(Photo/Henry Naminde)
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