Economic Growth as a Major Cause of Environmental Crisis: Comment to Ripple et al.

Abstract

Economic Growth as a Major Cause of Environmental Crisis: Comment to Ripple et al. We have read with great interest the “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: Second Notice” article, by Ripple and colleagues (2017). We believe they touch major points and concur with them that the time is ripe for a new call for change. Although Ripple and colleagues raise several important points, as the authors of the first warning to humanity (Union of Concerned Scientists 1992) did years ago, we are highly concerned that one major cause of global environmental crisis—economic growth—has been overlooked. Although Ripple and colleagues call for a reassessment of our economy rooted in growth, none of the twelve recommended examples of effective steps toward sustainability touches economic growth directly. Here, we argue that economic growth is one of the two major causes of the environ- mental crisis, along with population growth, which is correctly addressed by Ripple and colleagues (2017). A transition to sustainability cannot be achieved if our economic system is not radically changed, simply because lim- itless economic growth is impossible within a limited planet.