Biophysical limits and green growth

Abstract

In mid-June 2011 the Institute of Policy Studies and Landcare Research co-hosted a symposium in Wellington on ‘Biophysical Limits and their Policy Implications’. The symposium addressed two interrelated sets of questions. The first are empirical in nature: what are the earth’s biological and physical (or biophysical) limits and what are the practical implications of these limits for humanity? For instance, is exponential global economic growth, as measured by GDP, technically possible on a planet with limited natural resources and waste absorption constraints, and, if so, under what conditions? Second, there are various normative issues:  given the earth’s biophysical properties, how should we choose to live?