The Green Economy's Global Impact and Investment Trends
David RubensteinCo-founder of The Carlyle Group, author, and interviewer discussing economic history and leadership.
Driving Sustainable Growth: Navigating the Future of Green Finance
The Remarkable Expansion of the Green Economy
Annually, the valuation of the green economy is assessed, revealing its substantial growth. This sector has now exceeded US$10 trillion, even amidst various disruptions to energy supply chains. This remarkable expansion underscores the resilience and growing importance of sustainable economic activities globally.
Outperformance of Sustainable Investment Indices
During the first half of 2026, the upward trajectory of the green economy continued, marked by sustainable investment equity indices largely surpassing broader market benchmarks. This consistent outperformance highlights a strong investor confidence and a growing shift towards environmentally conscious financial products and strategies.
Record-Breaking Green Bond Issuance
In 2025, the global issuance of green bonds reached an unprecedented US$605 billion. This figure represents a notable 5.7% increase year-over-year, indicating a robust and expanding financial market dedicated to funding environmentally friendly projects and initiatives worldwide.

