Right now, the global economic system too often rewards practices that harm the planet. To change that, GEO-7 recommends several things, including the repurposing of US$1.5 trillion a year in environmentally damaging government subsidies for the energy, mining and food sectors. 

In some cases, countries could consider taxes on goods and services that damage the environment. For example, food and energy production often generate pollution and lead to the destruction of natural spaces but those costs aren’t reflected in market prices. The revenues from any taxes should support the most vulnerable.

The report also urges governments to align their budgets and economic policies with the goals of major environmental accords, like the Paris Agreement. It says countries should promote investments in green technology, encourage their citizens to make environmentally friendly choices and compel businesses to cover the full costs the damage they do to the planet.

Also important is moving beyond gross domestic product as the prime indicator of wealth and towards more inclusive metrics that take into account the wellbeing of society and health of the natural world.

Information taken from the UN Environment Programme Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7), launched in December 2025, which explores everything from the health of coral reefs to the status of the ozone layer