Escaping the Tradeoff? Ecological and Social Inequalities in Italy and Spain, 2000 to 2019

The article examines the relationship between ecological sustainability and social inequality through a comparative study of Italy and Spain from 1980 to 2019. While Spain has achieved relatively better social equity outcomes, both countries share similar environmental trajectories. The research critically evaluates the effectiveness of "green growth" policies, which aim to align economic development with ecological sustainability, in addressing social and environmental disparities. It also interrogates the trade-offs that may arise between these objectives. At the heart of the study lies the tension between ecological sustainability and social equity, and whether both goals can be pursued simultaneously. Existing literature shows that policies targeting poverty reduction and social equity often result in higher carbon emissions due to increased consumption linked to economic growth. Green growth strategies, which aim to decouple economic growth from carbon emissions, often fail to address systemic social inequities and ecological thresholds. Despite their alignment with sustainable development principles, these policies frequently overlook resource allocation disparities, social vulnerabilities, and inequities in political representation. Economic growth, while aiding some environmental goals, prioritizes GDP increases over equitable resource distribution, inadequately addressing social inequalities. In both Italy and Spain, economically deprived regions experience higher levels of environmental degradation, compounding social and ecological vulnerabilities. Structural inequities amplify the carbon intensity of poverty alleviation efforts, as growth-oriented policies without redistribution mechanisms often exacerbate social disparities and unsustainable consumption patterns. The study analyzes the evolution of social inequality and environmental indicators in these two countries over four decades, revealing their deep interconnection and mutual reinforcement. Findings indicate that green growth policies, despite yielding some environmental benefits, are insufficient in tackling entrenched social inequalities in Italy and Spain. The research argues that genuine ecological sustainability requires integrating social equity as a core principle rather than treating it as a secondary concern. The study calls for transformative policy frameworks that reject the traditional trade-off narrative. These frameworks should emphasize redistributive measures, equitable access to green jobs, and inclusive governance that empowers marginalized groups in environmental decision-making. By focusing on Italy and Spain's experiences, the article contributes to sustainable development discussions by highlighting the interdependence of ecological and social inequalities. It advocates for a shift from growth-centric models to integrative frameworks that prioritize both equity and sustainability. This shift demands not only reducing carbon emissions but also restructuring economic systems to build resilience among socially and ecologically vulnerable communities. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the need for a development paradigm that is both ecologically sustainable and socially just.