Environmental Kuznets curve

Mario Grosso

Chapter 67 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2026, pp 247-249 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is a theoretical model that proposes a relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation, suggesting that pollution and resource depletion initially rise with economic development but later decline as income reaches a threshold. This inverted U-shaped curve has been widely studied in contexts such as air and water pollution, carbon emissions, and waste management. Key factors influencing the EKC include technological advancements, environmental regulation, structural economic changes, and globalization. Despite its utility, the EKC faces criticism regarding data reliability, country-specific variations, and its limited focus on local environmental issues, overlooking global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. Critics argue that the EKC oversimplifies the complex dynamics between development and the environment. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable framework for understanding the potential for wealthier nations to reduce environmental harm through sustainable practices, though its applicability varies by region and environmental indicator.

Keywords: Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC); Economic Growth; Environmental Degradation; Pollution Control; Sustainable Development; Technological Advancements (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035309887
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