Business · Economy · 4 hrs ago
Economists say GDP growth can stop improving well-being
Economists Aurore Fransolet and Eloi Laurent argue that rising gross domestic product, or GDP, does not always make people better off.
They say that beyond a certain point, growth can damage well-being by worsening inequality and environmental harm.
The argument comes amid an accelerating climate crisis, which the economists say threatens human life in the near future.
They warn that preparing for climate impacts is not enough if emissions and other causes of the crisis are not reduced.
In their view, an economy focused on ever-higher GDP can undermine the ecosystems people depend on.
Their position is part of the post-growth movement, which includes ideas such as degrowth, doughnut economics and well-being economics.
They have put a well-being economics toolkit online, with the stated aim of helping prevent another critical situation in spring 2027.
Economists Aurore Fransolet and Eloi Laurent say GDP growth can stop improving well-being beyond a certain threshold.
They argue that growth can instead worsen well-being by increasing social inequalities and environmental damage.
Their commentary links the pursuit of GDP growth to the climate crisis and the degradation of the biosphere.
The economists say they have made a well-being economics toolkit available online.
They aim to help prevent the planet from facing a situation as critical in spring 2027 as in 2026.
- Who
- Economists Aurore Fransolet and Eloi Laurent.
- What
- They argue that beyond a certain threshold, GDP growth no longer improves well-being and can contribute to its decline.
- When
- The commentary was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- They say the pursuit of GDP growth damages the biosphere and contributes to social inequalities and environmental degradation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Authors
- Aurore Fransolet and Eloi Laurent
- Outlet
- Le Monde
- Publication date
- October 12, 2026
- Online resource
- A well-being economics toolkit
- Target period
- Spring 2027
Sources
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