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The limits to growth argument now

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  • F. E. Trainer

    (University of New South Wales)

Abstract

The limits to growth perspective on the global situation is not central in the analyses and policy formations of conventional economists and political leaders. This could be partly due to the fact that the initial statement of the position was open to major criticism, being necessarily based on only indicative evidence in certain key areas. However, the reasons for concluding that industrial-consumer society is encountering serious problems because it is reaching or exceeding limits to growth have become much more convincing in the subsequent 20 years. This paper summarizes the argument in the light of more recently available evidence. If the limits analysis is valid, a number of quite radical implications for economic and social change must be faced.

Suggested Citation

  • F. E. Trainer, 1999. "The limits to growth argument now," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 325-335, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:19:y:1999:i:4:d:10.1023_a:1006653921233
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1006653921233
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Trainer, FE, 1995. "Can renewable energy sources sustain affluent society?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 23(12), pages 1009-1026, December.
    2. Hall, Darwin C. & Hall, Jane V., 1984. "Concepts and measures of natural resource scarcity with a summary of recent trends," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 11(4), pages 363-379, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kostas Bithas & Panos Kalimeris, 2017. "The Material Intensity of Growth: Implications from the Human Scale of Production," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 133(3), pages 1011-1029, September.

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