The path of human civilization in the Anthropocene

Sustainable growth or sustainable development

Datos Bibliográficos

ID4957553
AutoresJan Winkler (0000-0002-9558-2052, Warsaw University of Life Sciences), Magdalena Daria Vaverková (0000-0002-2384-6207, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, autor de correspondencia), E Koda (0000-0002-3895-960X, Warsaw University of Life Sciences)
Año2024
Volumen11
Número3
Páginas676-683
Fecha de publicación2024-12-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaThe Anthropocene Review (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2053-0196 • E-ISSN: 2053-020X
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/20530196231218485
OpenAlexW4390105000
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas43

This paper discusses the difference between growth and development in plants, and how these concepts can be applied to human civilization. While growth refers to the quantitative gain of biomass, development is characterized by qualitative changes in the specialization and functioning of cells, tissues, and organs. In human society, growth is often prioritized over development, as evidenced by the focus on gross domestic product without considering its social and environmental impacts. Waste, which is produced during consumption, is a significant problem for human civilization as it contributes to pollution and environmental degradation. Waste management and finding new uses for waste are important efforts to utilize waste production; however, their effectiveness is often unclear. Sustainable development of human society should focus on creating systems inspired by nature, which can be achieved by reducing waste production and increasing the share of waste utilizable in biological processes. The functional interconnection between decomposer (waste) and producers (raw materials) in human society is essential for achieving sustainable development. Ultimately, this path leads to the reduction of waste and improves the effectiveness of human activities, thereby reducing threats to ecosystems

Business · Civilization · Eco-efficiency · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental degradation · Environmental economics · Environmental planning · Environmental pollution · Environmental protection · Natural resource economics · Political science · Social science · Sociology · Sustainable development · Waste management · Engineering · Environmental Science · Environmental, Ecological, and Cultural Studies · Innovation, Sustainability, Human-Machine Systems · Ecology