The term "sustainable development" is in many political speeches, but implementation is very diverse and sometimes perverse. Liberal ideologies emphasize the possibility of reconciling economic growth with environmental preservation through increased productivity (producing more, consuming fewer resources and less waste) and social equity for the general improvement of living conditions ( it is not always immediate).

Some more radical ideologies ecologists emphasize zero growth options and strict application of the precautionary principle, which is to stop doing certain activities until proven production that are not harmful. Other environmentalists argue the economic decline. The latter believe that respect for the environment is not possible without reducing economic output, and we are currently above the natural regeneration capacity of the planet, as evidenced by the different estimates ecological footprint. In addition, it also questioned the ability of modern life model to produce welfare. The challenge would be to live better with less.

Ecosocialism argues that capitalism, being based on growth and the steady accumulation of assets by increasing the rate of growth is ecologically unsustainable. However, economic development is not necessarily (as authors such as Herman Daly) synonymous with economic growth or human development. Still, any measures concerning production activities not only have negative or positive effects on the environment and the economy of enterprises, but also influences on employment and social fabric.