Green Growth vs. Green Agenda in Attaining Sustainable Development

Based on the application of the algebra of optimal control theory to a systems approach to sustainable development goals (SDGs), this article argues that the “green agenda” of the environmental SDGs is neither necessary nor sufficient to attain sustainable development; it suffices for this purpose the pursuit of environmentally conscious socioeconomic SDGs. This green-growth perception of sustainable development allows it to take on different content for different initial conditions, acknowledging thereby the diversity of policy means under which such development may be sought across countries and regions, regardless the phase of the business cycle