Final answer:
Economic growth alone cannot create a better and healthier society, as it may not address inequality and can lead to environmental degradation. A shift to a sustainable economic model is necessary to balance societal well-being with ecological health. Sustainable agriculture is key for societal improvement, particularly for the poorest populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Economic growth alone cannot make a better and healthier society because mere expansion of the economy does not necessarily lead to improvements in societal wellbeing or address issues of equality and justice. In regions where population growth outpaces economic growth, the average standard of living may not improve despite overall economic gains. Furthermore, a growth-focused economy relies heavily on finite resources, which poses a challenge to the environment and our planet's health. We face the dilemma of making choices as a society, where sometimes the goal of faster economic growth can conflict with other objectives such as a cleaner environment or sustainable agriculture.
It is evident that while past economic growth has brought numerous benefits to humanity, we must contemplate the end of growth as our current model is unsustainable in the long run. A shift toward a new economic paradigm—a steady state economy that does not depend on constant growth—may prevent irrevocable environmental damage and promote a more equitable society. Our institutions, from banking to social safety nets, must also adapt to a world beyond perpetual growth.
Studies indicate that agriculture-based economic growth is significantly more beneficial to the poorest segments of society. Therefore, sustainable methods that allow for increased food production without exhausting Earth's resources, and that adapt to climate change, are critical for improving the lives of vulnerable populations and achieving overall societal well-being.