Skip to main content

Can the economy grow forever?

899,492 Views

5,002 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Many economists think that an eternally growing economy is necessary to keep improving people’s lives, and that if the global economy stops growing, people would fight more over the fixed amount of value that exists, rather than working to generate new value. Which raises the question: is infinite growth possible on a finite planet? Explore how economies can balance efficiency with sustainability.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Kevin Herrmann, AIM Creative Studios
  • Script Writer George Zaidan
  • Narrator George Zaidan
  • Storyboard Artist Kevin Herrmann
  • Animator Kevin Herrmann, Jorge Ramos, André Cunha
  • Illustrator Kevin Herrmann
  • AIM Creative Studios Producer Tiago Ribeiro, Marta dos Santos
  • Music André Aires
  • Sound Designer André Aires
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Producer Alexandra Zubak
  • Associate Producer Sazia Afrin
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer George Zaidan
  • Expert Consultant Jason Hickel, Ian Goldin
  • Special Thanks Anna Bruce-Lockhart, World Economic Forum

More from Government: Declassified