In the era of ‘degrowth’, how long can business schools keep teaching about maximising profits?

Endless economic expansion isn’t sustainable. Scientists are telling us our planet is already beyond its limits , with the risks to communities and the economy made clear in the federal government’s recent climate risk assessment .

Sustainability is a hot topic in Australian business schools. However, teaching about the possible need to limit economic growth – whether directly or indirectly related to sustainability – is uncommon.

Typically, business school teaching is based on concepts of sustainable development and “ green growth ”. Under these scenarios, we can continue to grow gross domestic product (GDP) globally without continuing to grow emissions – what is known as “ decoupling ”. It’s a “have your cake and eat it too” promise for sustainability.

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