Earth split in half, one side thriving nature, the other side industrial decay.

Decoding the Growth Dilemma: Are Experts and the Public on Different Pages?

Elliot Brynn in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Deep Dive into Conflicting Opinions on Economic Growth vs. Environmental Sustainability"

The relationship between economic growth and environmental well-being is one of the most hotly debated topics of our time. On one side, many scientists warn that endless growth is simply unsustainable, citing issues like climate change and resource depletion. On the other, many policymakers and members of the public believe that continued growth is essential for improving living standards and funding vital public services.

This divide isn't always clear-cut. Some argue for 'green growth,' suggesting that technological advancements and policy changes can allow us to expand our economies without harming the environment. Others promote 'degrowth,' advocating for a fundamental shift away from prioritizing GDP and towards more sustainable and equitable ways of life. Still others take a neutral stance, emphasizing that prioritizing sustainability and well-being is more important than focusing on economic expansion.

To understand this complex landscape, researchers have begun to investigate the different perspectives held by various groups within society. A key question is whether experts – the scientists and academics who study these issues – see eye-to-eye with the general public. Are there significant differences in how these groups perceive the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental sustainability? And if so, what might explain those differences?

Unpacking the Opinion Clusters: Green Growth, Agrowth, and Degrowth

Earth split in half, one side thriving nature, the other side industrial decay.

To address these questions, a recent study brought together data from two surveys: one of the general public in Spain, and another of researchers from various academic backgrounds. Using a statistical technique called latent class analysis, the researchers identified three distinct opinion clusters in both groups:

These clusters showcase different viewpoints regarding economic growth and environmental sustainability:

Green Growth: This group believes that continued economic growth is essential for improving life satisfaction and funding environmental protection. They tend to be optimistic about technology's ability to solve environmental problems.
Agrowth: This cluster takes a more neutral stance, suggesting that economic growth should not be a primary policy objective. Instead, they prioritize well-being and environmental sustainability.
Degrowth: This group is the most skeptical of economic growth, arguing that it is inherently harmful to the environment. They advocate for a reduction in production and consumption to achieve a more sustainable and equitable society.

While these three clusters were found in both the scientific and general public samples, there were also some key differences. The researchers found that the clusters were more distinct and polarized in the scientific community, suggesting a wider range of opinions and stronger convictions among experts. In the general public, there was more overlap between the clusters, indicating that many people hold mixed or less defined views on the issue.

Bridging the Divide: Implications for Policy and Communication

The findings of this study have important implications for policymakers and anyone interested in fostering a more sustainable future. Understanding the different perspectives held by experts and the public is crucial for designing effective policies and communicating about the challenges and opportunities of a post-growth economy. By acknowledging the nuances of public and scientific opinion, we can move towards a more inclusive and informed conversation about how to create a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.11.012, Alternate LINK

Title: Opinion Clusters In Academic And Public Debates On Growth-Vs-Environment

Subject: Economics and Econometrics

Journal: Ecological Economics

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Stefan Drews, Ivan Savin, Jeroen C.J.M. Van Den Bergh

Published: 2019-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the key viewpoints on economic growth and environmental sustainability?

The article identifies three main viewpoints: Green Growth, Agrowth, and Degrowth. The "Green Growth" group believes that economic growth is essential and technology can solve environmental issues. The "Agrowth" cluster takes a neutral stance, prioritizing well-being and sustainability over economic expansion. The "Degrowth" group is skeptical of economic growth, advocating for reduced production and consumption for a more sustainable society. These clusters exist in both scientific and general public samples, though with varying degrees of polarization.

How do the opinions of experts and the general public differ on economic growth and environmental sustainability?

The study indicates that the opinions are more distinct and polarized within the scientific community than in the general public. Experts, like scientists and academics, tend to hold stronger convictions within the three clusters (Green Growth, Agrowth, Degrowth). In contrast, the general public's views show more overlap between the clusters, with many people holding mixed or less clearly defined opinions on the relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability. This suggests a more nuanced understanding or perhaps a less firm stance among the public.

What is "Green Growth" and what does it entail?

The "Green Growth" perspective, as described in the study, posits that continued economic growth is necessary. Proponents believe it is vital for improving life satisfaction and funding environmental protection efforts. A core tenet of Green Growth is optimism about technology's capacity to overcome environmental problems, suggesting that technological advancements can allow economic expansion without causing environmental damage. This viewpoint contrasts with the Degrowth perspective, which views economic growth as inherently harmful.

What is "Degrowth" and how does it differ from "Green Growth"?

"Degrowth" represents a fundamentally different perspective on economic growth compared to "Green Growth". The Degrowth group is the most skeptical, viewing economic expansion as inherently damaging to the environment. They advocate for a reduction in both production and consumption to create a more sustainable and equitable society. This is a significant departure from Green Growth advocates who believe that economic expansion and environmental protection can and should go hand in hand, often through technological solutions and policy changes. Degrowth suggests a fundamental shift away from prioritizing GDP as a measure of progress.

Why is understanding the different perspectives on economic growth crucial for policy and communication?

Understanding the nuances of public and scientific opinion is crucial for policymakers and communicators to design effective policies and foster a more sustainable future. Recognizing the different perspectives, particularly the divergence between experts and the general public across clusters such as Green Growth, Agrowth, and Degrowth, allows for more targeted and inclusive communication strategies. It also helps to create policies that resonate with diverse viewpoints, which is vital for navigating the complexities of a post-growth economy and achieving a prosperous and sustainable future for all. Acknowledging these differences promotes a more informed and productive conversation about how to balance economic needs with environmental concerns.