Can Emissions Be Justified in the Pursuit of Economic Growth?

As the world gathers at COP29 in Azerbaijan to confront the ongoing climate crisis, the issue of emissions remains central to global climate policy. Representatives from around the world are examining the growing impact of emissions, particularly in developing countries, and debating strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of industrial growth. With climate change at the forefront, some argue that emissions may be an inevitable byproduct of economic development, especially for nations now scaling up their economies in ways Western countries did decades ago. However, the question arises: can emissions ever be justified, especially as the planet reaches critical environmental tipping points?

Photo by self-documentation, taken on 16/04/2023 in Pemaluan village, Sepaku, Penajam North Paser Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia 

In developing countries, industrial activities have surged, often resulting in rising emission rates. According to recent data from the Global Carbon Project (GCP), these nations now contribute over 60% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Countries such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia are ramping up manufacturing, energy production, and urbanization to meet the demands of growing populations and economies. Yet, they find themselves locked in a difficult balance between growth and sustainability. This dynamic raises questions about historical accountability, as developed nations in the West once followed similar paths of industrial expansion, leading to the environmental consequences we face today.

Western countries, from the 19th century Industrial Revolution onward, generated substantial emissions that contributed significantly to today’s climate crisis. The effects, including rising temperatures, biodiversity loss, and shifts in microclimates, were less visible or quantifiable at the time. However, with advanced technology and research today, the environmental impact of carbon emissions is far more measurable, adding pressure on developing countries to pursue sustainable growth. But should they bear the cost alone, especially when their Western counterparts have historically emitted far more?

Drawing on my own experience researching the socioecological impacts of development in Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital City (IKN), I observed firsthand the complex relationship between economic growth and environmental costs. I spent two weeks in the region, conducting interviews with local community members and observing how urban development altered both the landscape and the livelihood of the local population. There were notable shifts in biodiversity, microclimate, and even cultural practices—clear indicators of ecological stress. Yet, as I spoke with people, it became apparent that development also brought unprecedented economic benefits to the community.

As one resident (Kastiyar, village chief and farmer in Bumi Harapan village) shared with me:

"When it comes to community impacts, there are positive aspects where our community benefits from an extraordinary increase in income. Shops that were once quiet, now their income has increased tremendously. People who used to earn a little from their hard work, now have supplementary income because they can rent out their homes, either monthly, weekly, or yearly, this has become an extraordinary way for them to generate income. Sometimes our citizens, not from land procurement, just from rentals alone, can even afford to go on a Hajj pilgrimage because of their earnings from this, that’s the positive side."

This comment highlights a side of economic development that is often overlooked in climate discourse: its potential to improve quality of life. Infrastructure projects and urban expansion attract businesses, increase incomes, and lift communities out of poverty, making a tangible difference in people’s lives. But can these economic gains justify the environmental toll, particularly as biodiversity declines and microclimates shift?

Perhaps the justification for emissions lies in a commitment to responsible growth. Corporations and industries, particularly those with multinational reach, have a duty to implement eco-friendly practices and reduce their environmental impact. Technological advancements such as carbon capture, clean energy solutions, and sustainable supply chains offer pathways for companies to minimize their ecological footprint while continuing to contribute to economic development. International partnerships and technology transfers can enable developing countries to adopt these innovations without stunting their economic progress.

Take, for example, the case of the European Union’s technology-sharing initiatives in renewable energy. By providing developing nations access to green technologies, developed nations can help create more sustainable industrial practices globally. This cooperation not only mitigates environmental degradation but also fosters a spirit of shared responsibility. Indeed, technology and innovation have the potential to redefine growth, shifting it away from exploitative practices toward models that are more inclusive, equitable, and environmentally conscious.

While emissions as a byproduct of growth can be justified to a certain extent, this justification is not without limits. Developing countries deserve the opportunity to elevate their economies, yet they should not have to bear the cost alone. Global cooperation, corporate accountability, and technology transfer can ensure that economic growth does not lead to irreversible ecological damage. The world cannot and should not revert to a pre-industrial state; the path forward lies in embracing innovation and collaboration to address climate challenges.

To balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, nations need to come together and build a resilient, climate-conscious global economy. With the right technology and a commitment to fair, sustainable growth, we can strive for a future where prosperity doesn’t come at the planet’s expense.