REDEFINING PROGRESS: BALANCE BETWEEN ECONOMIC BUOYANCY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

This research examines the intricate and often contentious relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability, challenging conventional paradigms that prioritize economic expansion at the expense of ecological preservation. The study critically assesses the assumptions underpinning growth-centric development models, with particular attention to the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), which posits that environmental degradation increases in the early stages of economic growth before improving as a society becomes wealthier. Through a detailed critique of the EKC and the impacts of capitalist economic structures, this paper highlights the flaws of these models, particularly their failure to account for irreversible environmental damage and the insufficient role of policy interventions in mitigating ecological harm. Furthermore, the research explores how international competition and the capitalist drive for profit exacerbate environmental degradation, pushing nations to weaken environmental regulations in pursuit of economic advantage. The paper advocates for a shift towards sustainable economic models that integrate both economic growth and environmental conservation, stressing the need for robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation. The findings underscore that, while economic and environmental objectives have historically been seen as mutually exclusive, a balanced approach is not only feasible but essential for achieving long-term prosperity and ecological stability.