Arnold Kling

Growth Doctrine

Arnold Kling, Great Questions of Economics
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This year's Economic Report of the President leads with the growth doctrine. The overview says,

As it raises standards of living--consumption, in the language of economists--growth also provides resources that may be devoted to a variety of activities beyond the traditional marketplace. Growth can fund environmental protection, the work of charitable organizations, and many other activities of interest and value to the United States, other industrialized economies, and developing economies alike.

This is not exactly news. Regardless of which party is in power, the President's Economic Report is produced by mainstream economists, who support the Growth Doctrine.

Discussion Question. Why do environmentalists often argue that growth harms the environment, while economists say that economic growth can help the environment?

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