We are extraordinarily far away from optimal or even efficient use of the resources of the planet and extraordinarily impactful on the environment in unnecessar

We are extraordinarily far away from optimal or even efficient use of the resources of the planet and extraordinarily impactful on the environment in unnecessary ways. While in a reductionist sense of course there’s no third option. But there’s also a huge amount of efficiency to be had and therefore a great deal of “neoliberal” growth to be had coupled with reduction of environmental impact before we hit limits that are truly hard. There are signs that population growth is slowing, and in some places reversing. While I generally agree with regulation and management of externalities I think a good outcome is achievable by simply adjusting how we measure growth away from pure economic activity and frame it in value and efficiency metrics. I believe we will find a path that leads to this state within the boundaries of our environment and in a sustainable way. But it will be a rough road. What has to change is the growth objective function. There is value improvement without economic growth. For instance an iPhone that is the same price and sold in the same quantity but has improved significantly is more valuable and useful than the prior model. Likewise as efficiencies in production kick in prices and economic activity overall can decrease while improving value. I think an efficiency and value metric rather than pure economic activity growth metrics would benefit us all and accelerate a sustainable development model, even one that’s neoliberal