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Theories of Sustainable Development

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  • Ozili, Peterson K

Abstract

This article presents new theories of sustainable development. The need for new theories of sustainable development arises from the need to explain the attitudes and various dispositions towards the sustainable development agenda. Five theories of sustainable development are presented, namely, the extinction avoidance theory of sustainable development, the collective stewardship theory of sustainable development, the rogue agent theory of sustainable development, the divine intervention and providence theory of sustainable development, and the resource-resilient world theory of sustainable development. These theories articulate the unspoken philosophy or paradigms regarding the need for sustainable development and who should be responsible for achieving sustainable development. These unspoken philosophy or paradigms have the power to move people to take action towards sustainable development or to do nothing about it, or to oppose the sustainable development agenda. Scholars, policy makers and researchers will find these theories useful in their work in sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Ozili, Peterson K, 2025. "Theories of Sustainable Development," MPRA Paper 123287, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:123287
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Peterson K. Ozili & Paul Terhemba Iorember, 2024. "Financial stability and sustainable development," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(3), pages 2620-2646, July.
    2. Mao, Wenxin & Wang, Wenping & Sun, Huifang & Yao, Peiyi & Wang, Xiaolei & Luo, Dang, 2021. "Urban industrial transformation patterns under natural resource dependence: A rule mining technique," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q00 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - General
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development

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