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Green growth beliefs: Investigating factors associated with expert opinions on green growth

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  • Manuel Suter
  • Noel Strahm
  • Till Bundeli
  • Kaja Kaessner
  • Viktoria Cologna
  • Naomi Oreskes
  • Sebastian Berger

Abstract

Green growth attempts to achieve sustainable development under continued economic growth and is currently one of the leading policy responses to mitigate climate change and prevent environmental collapse. We surveyed 3,028 academics in 101 countries on its feasibility and found strong divergence in endorsement, with 59% endorsing green growth. We identify various factors associated with beliefs about the feasibility of green growth, extending beyond prior survey studies on academic expert opinions regarding green growth. The strongest factor associated with green growth endorsement is the belief that ongoing economic growth is crucial for human well-being. The findings highlight the continued importance for a solid empirical assessment of expert views on green growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Suter & Noel Strahm & Till Bundeli & Kaja Kaessner & Viktoria Cologna & Naomi Oreskes & Sebastian Berger, 2025. "Green growth beliefs: Investigating factors associated with expert opinions on green growth," PLOS Climate, Public Library of Science, vol. 4(4), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pclm00:0000597
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000597
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael E. Porter & Mark R. Kramer, 2019. "Creating Shared Value," Springer Books, in: Gilbert G. Lenssen & N. Craig Smith (ed.), Managing Sustainable Business, chapter 16, pages 323-346, Springer.
    2. Chen, Jiandong & Wang, Ping & Cui, Lianbiao & Huang, Shuo & Song, Malin, 2018. "Decomposition and decoupling analysis of CO2 emissions in OECD," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C), pages 937-950.
    3. Wu, Ya & Zhu, Qianwen & Zhu, Bangzhu, 2018. "Comparisons of decoupling trends of global economic growth and energy consumption between developed and developing countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 30-38.
    4. World Bank, 2012. "Inclusive Green Growth : The Pathway to Sustainable Development," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 6058, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Suter, Manuel & Nicholas, Kimberly & Hasselbalch, Jacob & Fitzpatrick, Nick & Droste, Nils, 2025. "Sustainability researchers endorse post-growth policy instruments for the European Union," SocArXiv krwe9_v1, Center for Open Science.

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