Unit 4 → Subtopic 4.6
The Cost of Growth: is Sustainability Possible?
Economic growth has long been the driving force behind global development, lifting millions out of poverty, increasing life expectancy, and improving living standards. However, rapid economic expansion often comes at a cost to the environment, social well-being, and long-term sustainability. Many economies rely on industrial production, fossil fuels, deforestation, and mass consumption to sustain growth, leading to climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. This project challenges students to investigate whether sustainable economic growth is possible or if long-term prosperity requires sacrificing short-term expansion.
Students will begin by researching the relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability, exploring concepts like sustainable development, the circular economy, and the green transition. They should examine how traditional economic models prioritize GDP growth, often neglecting the impact of carbon emissions, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
A key focus of this project is analyzing whether sustainability and economic growth can coexist. Some experts argue that green technology, renewable energy, and efficient resource management can drive sustainable development, while others believe that economic expansion will always lead to higher energy consumption and waste production. Students should evaluate whether technological innovation is enough to reduce environmental harm while maintaining economic prosperity.
Another major component is investigating real-world case studies of countries that have attempted sustainable growth strategies. Nations like Denmark and Sweden have invested heavily in renewable energy and environmental regulations, proving that economic progress and sustainability are not always contradictory. However, developing countries often face the dilemma of choosing between industrialization for economic development and environmental protection.
The final investigation report should assess whether global economic policies should shift toward sustainability-focused models or if prioritizing growth remains the most viable path. The goal of this project is to help students critically evaluate the costs of economic expansion and explore potential solutions for a greener, more balanced future.
Recommended Procedure:
Research the Relationship Between Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability – Study how rapid economic expansion often leads to resource depletion, pollution, and climate change, while some economies attempt to balance growth with sustainability. Examine key theories such as "green growth" and the "limits to growth" model.
Analyze the Environmental Consequences of Economic Expansion – Investigate how industrialization, deforestation, and fossil fuel consumption contribute to environmental degradation. Compare the sustainability efforts of developed nations (e.g., Sweden) versus industrializing economies (e.g., China and India).
Examine Government and Corporate Policies for Sustainable Growth – Explore policies such as carbon taxes, renewable energy incentives, green technologies, and circular economy strategies that aim to promote economic growth without environmental destruction.
Evaluate Case Studies of Countries Attempting Sustainable Growth – Study how nations like Germany, Costa Rica, and the Netherlands have implemented eco-friendly policies while maintaining economic stability. Assess whether these models are replicable worldwide.
Write an Analysis on Whether Sustainable Economic Growth Is Feasible – Summarize findings, discussing whether long-term prosperity is possible without harming the planet or if economies must prioritize either economic expansion or environmental conservation.
Suggested Sources:
Understanding Economic Growth vs. Sustainability:
Investopedia: Can Economic Growth Be Sustainable? – https://www.investopedia.com
Khan Academy: The Economics of Sustainability – https://www.khanacademy.org
2. Case Studies on Sustainable vs. Unsustainable Growth:
The Balance: The Environmental Costs of Economic Growth – https://www.thebalancemoney.com
Harvard Business Review: How Countries Balance Growth and Sustainability – https://hbr.org
3. Government and Business Strategies for Green Growth:
World Bank: The Role of Policy in Promoting Sustainable Development – https://www.worldbank.org
OECD: How Businesses and Governments Can Work Toward a Green Economy – https://www.oecd.org
4. The Future of Sustainability and Economic Development:
IMF: Can We Have Both Economic Growth and Sustainability? – https://www.imf.org
United Nations: Sustainable Development Goals and Economic Growth – https://www.un.org
Grading Rubric:
Total Points: __ /20
