Why ecological modernization and sustainable development should not be conflated

Abstract

In this paper, it is argued that there are significant differences between the concepts of ecological modernization and sustainable development. The different ways in which these concepts frame various approaches to environmental policy have important implications. They affect not only the scope, but also the goals, targets and level of ambition that environmental policy-makers should aim at. Ecological modernization should be seen as a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for sustainable development. Conflating the two is not only counterproductive for the broader agenda of sustainable development, but also for the environmental policies necessary for realizing sustainable development. Therefore, ecological modernization and sustainable development should not be conflated. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.