The explanation for the emergence of the idea seemed to be both the rejection of the dominant economic paradigm, with its crises and market failures in the opening decade of the new millennium, and the positive possibilities of ‘a new economic paradigm - one in which material wealth is not delivered perforce at the expense of growing environmental risks, ecological scarcities and social disparities’ (ibid, 14). At Rio+20 in 2012, the concept took centre stage as both a reaffirmation of the commitment to sustainable development and a step forward to build resilience in a world of economic uncertainties and accelerating climate change. In addition, commentary is provided on efforts to join-up planning decisions across environment, finance, planning, trade and other ministries and departments, and on institutional and human resources and efforts which have been made to strengthen capacities and to identify emerging needs.