Most Europeans citizens consider economic growth a necessary condition, rather than an obstacle, for advancing towards a sustainable future. This is the conclusion reached in a new study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), published in Nature Communications.

In a context shaped by debates on climate change and sustainability, a study based on a survey of 17,000 citizens across 13 European countries analyses how citizens perceive the role of economic growth in building a sustainable society. Sixty percent of participants consider it essential for achieving key social and environmental goals, including environmental protection, public services, economic stability, and life satisfaction. By contrast, fewer than 10% expressed views that were clearly sceptical about economic growth.

“Discussions about post-growth and degrowth have become increasingly prominent in academic and policy circles,” says Professor Ivan Savin, lead author of the study. “Our findings show that these debates are not yet reflected in public opinion. Most citizens still view economic growth as an important means of achieving broader societal goals.”

The research challenges the common assumption that support for growth comes at the expense of environmental concern. People with pro-growth views are no less concerned about climate change than those who are sceptical about growth. Overall, they are also no less supportive of climate action. Instead, many respondents view economic growth and sustainability as compatible objectives rather than competing priorities.

According to the findings, support for growth is associated not only with values linked to personal success and material wellbeing, but also with equality and collective welfare. According to the researchers, this suggests that many Europeans see economic growth as a tool for improving society as a whole rather than a means of increasing personal prosperity.

Views also varied across countries. Citizens in wealthier and more equal societies tend to be less supportive of economic growth, suggesting that they feel less dependent on further economic expansion when basic needs and living standards are already widely secured.

The findings have important implications for climate policy. While growth-sceptical perspectives are gaining visibility in academic discussions, public support remains centred on the belief that economic growth can help deliver environmental and social progress. Policymakers seeking to accelerate sustainability transitions should therefore connect climate policies more clearly with citizens’ expectations regarding jobs, economic security and quality of life.