The report asserts that an investment of 2% of global gross domestic product (GDP), or US$1.3 trillion per year, into 10 key sectors could trigger "greener, smarter growth" while fighting poverty, through a transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. An investment of that amount "would grow the global economy at around the same rate" as under current economic models, or higher. The new, green model would also remove the inherent risks, shocks, scarcities, and crises of the current model (the "brown economy"). The 10 sectors, where UNEP says investment would be key to building a green economy are: agriculture, buildings, energy supply, fisheries, forestry, industry including energy efficiency, tourism, transport, waste management and water.

The website for the report includes: a synthesis of the report for policy-makers, a summary of the report's conclusions, information on the activities of the Green Economy Initiative, and success stories.