Title: Toxic air, choked ecosystem: paradox of economic growth vs. ecosystem sustainability

Authors: Sunil Barthwal

Addresses: School of Business, Kandoli Campus, Knowledge Acres, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248007, India

Abstract: The article assesses the rising air pollution scenario across Indian cities and the mitigation measures adopted by the citizens, industries and the Indian Government. This article binds the conceptual paradoxes of need creation and sustainable development through review and critique of the literature. The study found that air pollution is concentrated in north Indian cities, and the citizens are buying air purifiers as an immediate remedial solution. While the industries capitalise on this opportunity to capture the air purifiers market, it is a myopic solution, nor is this measure promoted by the government policies/action plans. The present scenario is an opportunity for all emerging economies to develop a different economic structure based on clean technologies and ecosystem-based solutions. The study recommends balancing economic goals with ecosystem sustainability while humanity endeavours to progress and civilise as the only resort for ecosystem restoration and resilience and mitigating India's grim air pollution scenario.

Keywords: air pollution; air purifier; economy; creative destruction; health.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2023.132888

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2023 Vol.15 No.3, pp.239 - 252

Received: 22 Jul 2021
Received in revised form: 07 Jun 2022
Accepted: 06 Sep 2022
Published online: 14 Aug 2023 *

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