Is Growth Destroying The Planet?

Since the dawn of the industrial era, global GDP has increased by a factor of around 100, whereas the population has “only” increased tenfold. Over the same period, net greenhouse gas emissions – tied to our energy model – have soared from nearly none to 35 billion metric tons of CO₂, a surge that will lead to a global temperature rise of 4°C to 6°C by 2100. Similarly, growth seems to be affecting biodiversity and air, water and soil quality. Should we conclude that the debate is closed and that negative growth is the only way forward? If austerity is a new virtue, how do we address demographic growth and the legitimate aspirations of less advanced economies, where 1.3 billion inhabitants do not even have access to electricity? The Paris Agreement for climate action outlines a path towards new models of collective prosperity: that of growth moderated by negative externalities, cooperation among nations and efforts on their part that are proportionate to historically accumulated wealth.