Interconnected gears and foliage symbolizing the complex relationship between economic growth and sustainability.

Beyond Pro vs. Anti: Uncovering Hidden Opinions on Economic Growth

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Rhea Morgan in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Dive into the surprising segments of the population that redefine the growth-versus-environment debate."


The relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability is one of the most hotly debated topics of our time. The traditional view often simplifies the discussion into a clash between "pro-growth" and "anti-growth" camps. However, recent studies suggest that this is a gross oversimplification, as a much wider range of opinions exists within both the scientific community and the general public.

A study published in Ecological Economics sheds light on this complexity by identifying distinct segments within the scientific and general population based on their views on economic growth and environmental issues. By going beyond the simplistic pro/anti-growth dichotomy, the study uncovers nuanced perspectives that could help inform more effective and inclusive policies.

The researchers analyzed data from two surveys: one of the general public in Spain and another of international researchers from various disciplines. Using a method called latent class analysis, they were able to identify recurring patterns of opinions and group individuals into distinct clusters. The results revealed surprising similarities—and important differences—between the way experts and the public think about growth and the environment.

Decoding the Opinion Clusters: Beyond Simple Labels

Interconnected gears and foliage symbolizing the complex relationship between economic growth and sustainability.

The researchers identified three key segments in both the scientific and general public samples:

These segments demonstrate that opinions on growth are far more complex than a simple binary choice. Each group holds distinct views on the relationship between economic activity, environmental protection, and social well-being.

  • Green Growth: This group believes that economic growth can be made compatible with environmental sustainability through technological innovation and policy changes. They see growth as a necessary engine for funding environmental protection and improving living standards.
  • Agrowth: This segment occupies a middle ground, questioning the necessity of continuous economic expansion. They suggest prioritizing well-being and environmental sustainability, even if it means forgoing some economic growth.
  • Degrowth: This cluster is the most skeptical of economic growth, arguing that it is inherently unsustainable and detrimental to the environment. They advocate for reducing production and consumption to achieve ecological balance.
While these segments were found in both samples, the study revealed key differences between scientists and the public. The clusters were more distinct and polarized among scientists, suggesting a clearer divergence of opinions within the expert community. Additionally, differing views on social issues were more strongly linked to distinct clusters in the public opinion sample, while environmental issues were more closely associated with cluster distinctions among scientists.

Why This Matters: Implications for Policy and Communication

This research underscores the importance of moving beyond simplistic narratives when discussing economic growth and sustainability. By recognizing the diverse range of opinions that exist, policymakers can craft more nuanced and effective strategies. The study also highlights the need for tailored communication approaches, acknowledging that different segments of the population may be more receptive to certain arguments than others. For instance, the "Green Growth" segment might be more persuaded by arguments emphasizing technological solutions, while the "Degrowth" segment may be more responsive to messages about social justice and ecological limits.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What are the main viewpoints on economic growth beyond just 'pro' or 'anti'?

Instead of a simple 'pro' versus 'anti' growth debate, there are nuanced perspectives. The main viewpoints include 'Green Growth,' which believes economic growth and environmental sustainability can be compatible; 'Agrowth,' which questions the necessity of continuous growth and prioritizes well-being and sustainability; and 'Degrowth,' which argues for reducing production and consumption for ecological balance.

2

How do scientists and the general public compare in their opinions on economic growth and environmental issues?

Both scientists and the general public hold 'Green Growth', 'Agrowth,' and 'Degrowth' viewpoints. However, these viewpoints are more distinct and polarized among scientists, indicating a clearer divergence of opinions within the expert community. Also, views on social issues more strongly correlate with the different clusters in public opinion, while environmental issues are more closely linked to cluster distinctions among scientists.

3

What does the 'Green Growth' segment believe about economic growth and the environment?

The 'Green Growth' segment holds the belief that economic growth can be aligned with environmental sustainability through technological innovation and policy changes. They consider growth a necessary mechanism for funding environmental protection efforts and improving living standards for people.

4

What are the policy implications of understanding these different viewpoints on economic growth?

Recognizing the diverse range of opinions—'Green Growth,' 'Agrowth,' and 'Degrowth'—allows policymakers to create more nuanced and effective strategies. Tailored communication approaches are also essential, as different segments are more receptive to certain arguments. For example, 'Green Growth' supporters might respond to technological solutions, while 'Degrowth' advocates may prefer messages about social justice and ecological limits.

5

What exactly does the 'Agrowth' perspective suggest, and how does it differ from the 'Green Growth' and 'Degrowth' viewpoints?

The 'Agrowth' perspective occupies a middle ground by questioning the absolute necessity of continuous economic expansion. Unlike 'Green Growth,' which actively seeks to reconcile growth with sustainability, 'Agrowth' proposes prioritizing well-being and environmental sustainability, even if it means potentially forgoing some economic growth. In contrast to the 'Degrowth' viewpoint, 'Agrowth' doesn't explicitly advocate for reducing production and consumption but suggests a more balanced approach where growth isn't the sole or primary objective.

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