Portfolio

Master of Science

Environmental Policy & Management

University of Denver – University College

“Sustainable growth” is an adaptation of the previously coined term “Sustainable Development” which are both oxymoronic terms but have similar definitions.  Sustainable growth is the fine line between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Too much emphasis on the economy can lead to environmental degradation; too much emphasis on environmental sustainability can lead to loss of jobs and other implications from slowing down the economy (Attah 2010).  Sustainable development was defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission 1987). This definition brings up many challenges both on the economic and environmental side; especially with environmental regulation and climate change becoming more and more partisan in politics. Ecologists and economists clash when discussing sustainable growth. Ecologists have established that current consumption rates are too high, while economists focus on the ability of the economy to maintain living standards (Arrow et al. 2004). Addressing market strategies, environmental policies, alternative energy sources, and consumerism should be the avenue towards achieving sustainable growth which can become more of a reality and less of an oxymoron.

One form of society that has the best chance of maintaining sustainable growth is a democratic free-market capitalist society. A partnership between businesses and environmental groups is needed, Agenda 21 was proposed during the Rio Earth Summit of 1992, which fosters these kinds of partnerships. The goal of Agenda 21 is to promote economic growth, advance social equity, and ensure environmental protection. The Rio Earth Summit focused on issues ranging from patterns of production, alternative energy sources, public transportation systems, and the growing scarcity of water (United Nations 2019).  The main issue with non-binding international treaties is dependence on political commitment and political leadership in order to be successful. After Rio, the 1990s were considered to be a turning point in the relationship between corporations and environmental issues. Shareholders and customers to many large corporations were stressing the importance of environmental sustainability. Every corporate decision about production and their products were beginning to be viewed as part of the natural world; the term green consumerism was gaining popularity.

Sustainable growth can also be achieved by promoting and implementing alternative energy sources. These include renewable sources like wind and solar energy. President Obama followed an “all-of-the-above” energy plan, which encouraged domestic oil and gas production, while also implementing alternative energy sources. Mainly due to fracking, an innovative and new method for oil extraction, the United States was close to becoming energy independent. With the help of the federal government favoring alternative energy, wind and solar power increased to reach ten percent of the national total and was competitive with oil. Wind, solar, and biofuel was also providing ten times as many jobs as the coal industry (Vig and Kraft 2017, 379). Alternative energy sources were driven by the states and private market forces. These decisions by President Obama fall under sustainable growth. President Obama promoted sustainability by pushing for alternative energy sources, being much better for the environment. Growth was promoted by the decision not to completely cut out fossil fuels, which would hurt the economy. President Obama also used market forces and state power, instead of solely relying on command and control regulations.

The methods President Obama proposed and implemented are strategies that work for countries that are already developed. Formulating environmental policies that can be applied to developing countries requires a different approach. Developing countries today have an advantage that the United States and Europe did not when they were establishing their economies, the benefit of much improved and efficient technologies being available. Developing countries can achieve sustainable growth much faster than western nations were able to. Of course, there is opposition to using alternative energy sources and renewables as the base of new economy; the idea of reducing emissions and boosting economic growth is concerning to policy makers. Climate policy goals are also not a priority for developing countries, their main focus is on poverty alleviation and energy provision (Halsn and Garg 2011, 987).

Many developing countries have realized the need to reduce their emissions, India and China are prime examples of this movement. India does not produce much emissions on a per capita basis, India has committed to reducing their emissions by 30 to 35 percent by 2030. India has a growing demand for electricity and is planning on moving away from coal and increase reliance on alternative energy sources to meet their demands. China has similarly committed to cutting back 60 to 65 percent of its emissions by 2030. China is now the leader in solar energy production and now both China and India have made huge strides towards their emission goals. Considering how the Trump administration is planning on pulling the United States out of the Paris Agreement, China can now be considered the global leader in fighting climate change (Vig and Kraft 2017, 363). 

What else can governments do to help society move towards sustainable growth? The (UN Secretary General 2010) summarizes the strategies that can be used to reach a green sustainable economy. The first is encouraging sustainable consumption and implement policies that promote the greening of buildings. Reductions in consumption would dramatically reduce waste produced, energy consumption, and pollution. Consumption does not have to rely on only reductions, improved consumer behavior can be promoted as well. Consumers in developed and rich nations can promote paying higher prices for products made by smart environmental management methods.  Consumerist behavior can be addressed with minimal harm to growing economies (Vig and Kraft 2017, 362).

Another strategy discussed is tax reform that supports sustainable policies which are aimed at lowering emissions. Providing tax credits or other tax incentives for businesses who lower their emissions can boost sustainable growth. Another strategy is expanding public support for more efficient infrastructure along with sustainable practices is another strategy governments need to look at. Without public support environmental policies would ignored by policy makers. Last, enhancement of research and development programs, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. I believe expanding and investing in research would open more doors for businesses and the free market to move towards a sustainable growth path.  

This is a glimpse into how nations can promote sustainable growth. This paper covered how developed and developing countries can construct environmental policies to reduce their emissions. International treaties like the Rio Summit can help lower overall global emissions through many nations collaborating towards this common goal. These goals can be achieved by promoting alternative energy sources like wind and solar power, and by fully investing in these energy sources in developing countries. Lastly, changes in consumerism in developing countries can dramatically help lower emissions and the environmental consequences coming from excessive and irresponsible consumerism. Sustainable growth is possible in a capitalistic society, it requires the full commitment from governments and the public to have any chance for success.

References

Arrow, K., Dasgupta, P., Goulder, L., Daily, G., Ehrlich, P., Heal, G., Levin, S., et al. 2004. “Are we consuming too much?” Journal of Economic Perspectives, 18 (3), 147–172.

Attah, V. Nkechinyere. 2010. “Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Growth: A Global Outlook”. Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics Theses.

Brundtland Commission. 1987. “Our Common Future”. Oxford University Press: Oxford.

Halsn, Kirsten and Garg, Amit. 2011. “Assessing the Role of Energy in Development and Climate Policies- Conceptual Approach and Key Indicators”. World Development.

United Nations. Date Accessed June 2^nd, 2019. https://www.unric.org/en/rio20/27615-back-in-time-what-was-rio-1992

UN Secretary General. 2010. “Progress to date and remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits in the area of sustainable development, as well as an analysis of the themes of the conference”. Report for the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations

Vig, Norman and Michael E. Kraft. 2017. “Environmental Policy”. 10th Edition. CQ Press. A Division of Congressional Quarterly. Wash., D.C.