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MENTAL MODEL · M3294

Weak Sustainability

Weak Sustainability
BusinessHigh supportEconomics
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-31

CORE DEFINITION

It holds that man-made capital can substitute for natural capital, and development is sustainable as long as the total capital stock (man-made capital + natural capital) does not decrease. It allows compensating for the depletion of natural capital through technological progress and accumulation of man-made capital.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Capital substitution analysis. It provides a theoretical basis for understanding the substitution relationships among different forms of capital. In policy-making, it supports achieving sustainable development through technological innovation and capital accumulation, but also reminds attention to critical thresholds of natural capital.

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Weak sustainability holds that man-made capital can substitute for natural capital, and as long as total capital (including man-made) does not decrease, intergenerational welfare can be maintained; it allows replacing the environment with man-made substitutes, with a lower threshold. It is opposed to strong sustainability.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weak_and_strong_sustainabilityZH · Explicit
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