Any economic growth will have energy inputs as one of the major imperative and equity is increasing in the developing world. A 60 percent growth in GDP will require lot more energy and world economy is based on fossil fuel economy. Any future progress of mankind would entail much more pressure on the existing fossil fuel resources and lead to carbon emissions. With present levels of 390 ppm CO 2, it is already at critical level. Climate change shall also affect world peace. Frequent floods, droughts erratic snow patterns shall be more obvious.
Sustainable development at local level and at a global level is perceived by different nations or interest groups from different angles. Scientific evidences need to be more precise and predictions more accurate but one thing is sure there has to be some kind of green GDP to achieve sustainable growth . The recent submit at Delhi DSDS2011 (extremely well organized by TERI and others) brought forth different point of interests on one platform from almost all the different parts of the world. One thing emerged very clearly that there is need to define sustainable growth parameters with some achievable indicators within reasonable time frame without adversely affecting either people’s aspirations or expectations of society.
Can Science have an answer to achieve this with present state of knowledge?