Economic Growth and the Environment: Alternatives to the Limits Paradigm
Author(s)
Davidson, Carlos
Abstract
For most biologists, environmentalists, and ecological economists, the dominant paradigm for understanding the interactions between the economy and the environment is the concept of limits. The idea is that there are biological and physical limits to economic growth beyond which both ecological and economic collapse would occur. In this view, limits are seen as absolute constraints on economic activity, not just as a point beyond which economic growth results in environmental destruction. Although the limits concept has successfully been used to mobilize concern for environmental issues, the concept is problematic. In this article, the author argues argue that the concept of limits is ecologic ally and economically not useful and politically hinders the cause of conservation. The author also proposes metaphorical and analytical aspects of an alternative view.
