Linking the Environment, SDGs and Economic Growth: Are We Doing Enough?

One thing leads to the other. Deforestation leads to climate change, which leads to ecosystem losses, which negatively impacts our livelihoods – it’s a vicious cycle” – this is the famous quote by the Supermodel and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, Gisele Bundchen. Nowadays, one of the most topical issues that have received extensive attention in Environmental and Development Economics centers on what Bundchen was talking about. Attempts at demystifying Bundchen’s statements have spawned an avalanche of policy positions, pronouncements and discussions. Motivated by the dynamic interaction between the environment, SDGs and the economy, this paper systematically explores literature. Results indicate that the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) is valid in most parts of the world. Amongst other policy prescriptions, the study recommends the adoption of “green growth” if the environment is to be conserved for current and future generations across the globe amid the visible threats of climate change.