New research reveals the vast incompatibility of current models of economic development with environmental sustainability.
New research confronts the elephant in the room – the ‘trilemma’ of population growth, economic growth and environmental sustainability – and reveals the vast incompatibility of current models of economic development with environmental sustainability.
Using data collected from across the globe, national economies and natural resource use were closely examined by an international team of scientists using a mathematical model. The results suggest that as long as our economic system retains its current structure, and if population growth continues, both high- and low-income countries will fail to achieve environmental sustainability.
The study, published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is led by Professor Graeme Cumming of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University.
“There is a pervasive misconception that economic growth and development will eventually lead to environmental sustainability,” said lead author, Prof Cumming. “While high-income countries may appear to support a more sustainable lifestyle, in practice, they consume more resources per capita than low-income countries.”
Continue reading at ARC Centre of Excellence Coral Reef Studies
Image via Jacquline Lau, ARC Centre of Excellence Coral Reef Studies
