Most Europeans believe economic growth is essential for building a sustainable future rather than an obstacle to achieving environmental goals.
That’s according to new research from the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB). Published in Nature Communications, the study surveyed 17,000 people across 13 European countries to examine public attitudes towards economic growth and sustainability.
It found that 60% of respondents viewed economic growth as necessary to achieve goals including environmental protection, stronger public services, economic stability and greater life satisfaction.
By comparison, fewer than 10% of participants expressed views that were clearly sceptical about economic growth.
Lead author Professor Ivan Savin said: “Discussions about post-growth and degrowth have become increasingly prominent in academic and policy circles. Our findings show that these debates are not yet reflected in public opinion.
“Most citizens still view economic growth as an important means of achieving broader societal goals.”
The findings also challenge the assumption that support for economic growth comes at the expense of environmental concern. People with pro-growth views were just as concerned about climate change, as those who were more sceptical of growth and were similarly supportive of climate action.
Researchers also found that support for growth was linked not only to personal prosperity but also to values such as equality and collective welfare.
This suggests many Europeans see economic growth as a way to improve society as a whole rather than simply increasing individual wealth.
Attitudes varied between countries. Citizens living in wealthier and more equal societies were generally less supportive of continued economic growth, suggesting they felt less dependent on further expansion once high living standards and basic needs were already secured.
The researchers say the findings have important implications for climate policy, indicating governments may gain greater public support by linking environmental action with jobs, economic security and improved quality of life.
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN