Research and analysis

Economic growth and the environment

This paper aims to explore the role of the natural environment in supporting and contributing to economic growth.



This analysis explores the complex relationship between the natural environment and economic growth, including the importance of the environment in supporting and enabling economic activity and the different drivers that affect environmental quality as the economy grows. 

It makes the case for sustainable economic growth, managing the use and provision of natural assets in a way that ensures their availability for future generations. 

Finally, it identifies the range of policy responses the government can use to enable this shift to a sustainable economy, and the potential opportunities and economic impacts in the near- and long-term.