Final answer:
The economy utilizes natural capital primarily to satisfy economic growth, wherein technological innovation and environmentally sustainable methods are instrumental in advancing production efficiency and fostering an increase in GDP per capita.
Step-by-step explanation:
The economy draws upon natural capital, reconfiguring it primarily to satisfy economic growth. Economic growth refers to an increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time, which is often accompanied by an increase in the standard of living. Scholars assert that a combination of economic growth and environmental quality is achievable through improvements in the production process, including innovation, technology development, and regulatory intervention. These advancements can enhance production efficiency and potentially help global society address environmental challenges. Interventions such as technological innovation play a crucial role in increasing productivity, leading to economic growth that can be aligned with environmental sustainability.
Considering other options, while social equality and environmental sustainability are significant goals, they are not directly what the economy reconfigures natural capital to satisfy. Technological innovation is a means to an end; it contributes to economic growth rather than being the primary aim of utilizing natural resources. Thus, the correct answer is option (a), economic growth, where sustainable and technological advancements contribute to a healthier climate for growth in GDP per capita.