
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.

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. Reforming and redirecting subsidies will be an important piece of the jigsaw if we are to solve the climate change puzzle. Savings enable governments to manage deficits; could be redirected at building energy networks; or targeted at social spending. This paper finds opportunities for Nordic countries to increase cooperation around reform and makes specific recommendations. The paper is part of the Nordic Prime Ministers' overall green growth initiative.
