Decoupling: Green Growth and Environmental Kuznets Curve

This lecture explores the concept of decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, focusing on the potential of 'green growth' and the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). It discusses the conditions required for sustainable decoupling, the historical background of the EKC, and empirical evidence supporting this theory. The instructor presents various 'stories' behind the EKC, variants of the curve, and lessons learned from observed trends. The lecture also addresses the challenges and criticisms against the EKC, emphasizing the importance of sound environmental policies and the limitations of relying solely on economic growth for environmental protection.