OVER THE COMING DECADES, GDP per capita is likely to go up almost everywhere. It will lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and give billions many more opportunities, from avoiding starvation to better education. It will also lead a drive toward better environmental conditions in almost all countries. As incomes go up, voters will press for less air pollution, more protected forests, and cleaner rivers. It will hugely impact global human welfare. It will give almost everyone more satisfied lives. All this is unequivocally, morally good. But, increased GDP will also drive carbon
...more
