ABSTRACT
This chapter discuses the notion of green growth and tourism's role within a so-called green economy. It does not deny the importance of a green economy that maintains or enhances natural capital, rather it suggests that such an economic paradigm needs a much broader understanding of the changes required to achieve these goals than appears to be the case. The chapter revisits the growth debate and links some of the discussions in tourism with respect to sustainability and long-standing concerns over the long-term feasibility and desirability of economic growth. It identifies some of the major weaknesses in the green growth/economy idea, particularly the belief in the value of technological change, innovation and efficiency in the absence of an appreciation of rebound effects and the need for sufficiency-based consumption. According to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) the green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.
