Living Within Biophysical Limits: green growth versus degrowth

Abstract

Since the early 1970s there has been vigorous debate over whether global economic growth can continue more or less indefinitely on afinite planet. Central to the most recent version of this debate are the claims and counterclaims of those advocating ‘green growth’ and those advocating ‘degrowth’. This article outlines and briefly assesses the main areas of agreement and disagreement between these contending schools of thought. It is argued that humanity must live within real, non-negotiable biophysical constraints. Failure to make the required transformation of the global economy soon will ultimately undermine social progress. But what level and form of global economic activity is ultimately