Sustainability Dynamics in Economic Development
Summary
Sustainability dynamics in economic development examine how long-term prosperity can be achieved without depleting natural capital or exacerbating social inequalities. This field explores interactions between growth trajectories, resource management and institutional frameworks, emphasising that economic expansion must be decoupled from environmental degradation. Central themes include the role of governance in steering green innovation, the transition from fossil-based to renewable energy systems, and the integration of circular-economy principles into industrial and agricultural supply chains. Scholars have highlighted the importance of adaptive policy instruments, such as carbon pricing and environmental regulations, that internalise externalities while supporting technological diffusion. Equally, social dimensions—ranging from equitable access to clean energy to job creation in low-carbon sectors—are recognised as essential for ensuring broad-based support and resilience. Globally, successful models blend strong institutions with market incentives, exemplified by cross-border co-operation on climate finance and the diffusion of sustainable infrastructure. Practical applications span national development plans, urban planning frameworks and rural livelihood programmes, all geared towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals in a manner that balances economic, environmental and social imperatives.
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Sustainability Dynamics in Economic Development publication trend
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Technical terms
Green economic growth: Economic expansion that integrates environmental protection and efficient resource use.
Brown growth: Growth reliant on high-carbon, resource-intensive activities that may harm ecosystems.
Spillover effects: Cross-regional or cross-sector impacts whereby policy changes in one area influence outcomes in another.
Institutional quality: The effectiveness, rule of law, regulatory capacity and integrity of governance structures.
References
- Institutional quality and green economic growth in West African economic and monetary union. Innovation and Green Development (2024).
- Sustainable development spillover effects between North America and MENA: Analyzing the integrated sustainability perspective. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators (2022).
- Sustainable development and openness in oil-exporting countries: green growth and brown growth. Journal of Economic Structures (2020).
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