Core Ideas
What is sustainability according to Solow?
What is an obligation to leave future generations the capacity to be as well off as we are
Solow believes sustainability mainly requires more of this.
What is investment
Sustainability is framed as an obligation between these two groups.
Who are present and future generations
This concept allows one form of capital to replace another
What is substitutability
Helping today’s poor typically requires this
What is increased consumption
Solow argues sustainability is best described as this kind of concept.
What is inherently vague but still useful
Solow argues that natural resources are often this, allowing substitution.
What is fungible
Solow argues moral obligations must meet this condition.
What is feasibility
Solow believes natural capital can often be replaced by this
What is human-made or manufactured capital
Sustainability for future generations requires this instead
What is saving or investment
Solow rejects definitions of sustainability that require this.
What is preserving the environment exactly as we found it
This economic rule says rents from non-renewable resources should be invested.
What is the Hartwick rule
Solow argues we do not owe future generations this.
What are specific natural resources
This assumption supports continued economic growth under sustainability
What is technological progress
This tension creates a central sustainability paradox
What is present vs. future equity
According to Solow, sustainability is mainly about this economic issue.
What is intergenerational equity
Solow uses this country as an example of good sustainability policy.
What is Norway
Solow’s ethical focus aligns most closely with this concept
What is intergenerational justice
Solow’s approach to sustainability is often labeled this
What is weak sustainability
Solow identifies population growth mainly as this type of issue
What is a developing-world problem
Solow argues we are not morally obligated to do this if it is infeasible.
What is leave the world unchanged in all its details
Solow criticizes this country for consuming rather than investing resource rents.
What is the United Kingdom
Sustainability fails morally if it demands this impossible standard
What is perfect preservation of nature
This later thought most strongly criticizes Solow’s substitutability assumption
What is strong sustainability or ecological economics
Solow ultimately treats sustainability as this kind of policy tool
What is a guiding principle