Skip to main content

Can the economy grow forever?

903,605 Views

5,068 Questions Answered

Economics Explained

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.

We measure economic growth by measuring:

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.

About Economics Explained

Economics has had a huge impact on the world we live in—and understanding the key factors at play in these massive, interconnected systems can give us insight into how to make them better, stabler, and more equitable. Dig into these quick and compelling explainers from TED-Ed and World Economic Forum for a taste of economics in action.

Meet The Creators

  • Video created by TED-Ed
  • Lesson Plan created by TED Ed

More from Economics Explained