<p>The green economy is a development model based on principles of ecological economics and sustainability. Despite the lack of international treaties that formalise green economic principles, some countries have made substantial progress towards transforming specific sectors, with Latin America leading some of these efforts. The publications featured in this Spotlight provide further information on how this has been achieved, with a particular focus on the use of market and policy mechanisms to stimulate green growth in four sectors; water management, green building, renewable energy technologies and payment for environmental services.</p>