Decoupling is the process of separating two elements of a relationship, either in a financial or economic sense. In the financial world, decoupling occurs when the performance of an asset no longer correlates with previously expected results. For example, stock markets and bond markets often reflect how well an economy is doing by correllating with one another. However, if the two of them behave differently, decoupling has occured.

Relative decoupling refers to a decreasing correlation between two assets, whereas absolute decoupling refers to a completely independent movement of the two assets. This may be observed when, for instance, the performance of a nation's investment market begins to deviate from that of its underlying economic health. Decoupling can often be seen when economies are in transition, such as when a nation's economy is transitioning to a new production or technological era.

In the environmental sense, decoupling tries to separate economic growth from environmental pressures. That is, eliminating or reducing the environmental harm that economic growth often involves. This can be achieved through green technologies, renewable energy resources and eco-friendly practices, which can promote sustainable economic growth without simultaneously affecting the environment.

Essentially, decoupling is the process of disconnecting two previously connected aspects of the financial world or of the environment. Relative decoupling can disclose opportunities for investors, capitalizing on the opportunity if the correlation is believed to return in the future. On the other hand, absolute decoupling from the environment can present opportunities for sustainable development to take place through eco-friendly practices.