The paper presents the global and regional environmental impact of the developmental model of permanent (quantitative) growth. The constantly increasing anthropogenic material and energy flows of recent decades have exceeded the regenerative and neutralising capacities of the planet's ecosystem, and environmental globalisation is the sum result of excessive environmental impacts. Should the developmental model of permanent growth continue for the next 50 years, pressures on the environment would increase by several times, while the carrying capacity of the environment could even be slightly reduced. The long-term welfare of humanity, of future generations and ecosystems, can only be guaranteed by a developmental model which is environmentally sustainable, i.e. observing the limitations or capacities of natural systems. Therefore, biophysical restrictions should be imposed on the economic process and market mechanisms, meaning restrictions determined by preservation of the optimum functioning of the planet's ecosystem. A developmental model of welfare, without (quantitative) growth, and of a balanced economy has gradually been formed which should provide 'sober' material welfare to all inhabitants of the planet and environmental security for future generations as well. Notwithstanding the fact that Slovenia has reached a higher degree of environmental pollution and an excessive use of natural resources per capita, it does have the key environmental capitals at its disposal to allow a more daring orientation towards environmentally sustainable development.
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