Environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis – UGC NET Question

Statement B is the only wrong statement because the EKC does not claim that growth automatically solves all environmental problems without deliberate policies and technological changes. Statements A, C and D are correct: A summarises the inverted-U hypothesis, C acknowledges that the pattern is not universal and D notes that the EKC is debated and contested. Therefore, the combination that identifies B only as wrong is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it labels both A and B as wrong, whereas A accurately describes the basic EKC hypothesis of rising then falling pollution with income for some pollutants. Treating a correct descriptive statement as wrong contradicts the theoretical literature.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it isolates the simplistic and erroneous interpretation that growth alone will fix environmental problems. It recognises that policies, regulations and structural changes are necessary even if an EKC-type pattern is observed.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it marks both B and C as wrong. While B is indeed wrong, C is correct in warning that EKC patterns vary across pollutants and countries, and cannot be generalised mechanically.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it regards all four statements as wrong, including A, C and D, which are correct. Denying the existence of debate or the basic description of the EKC misrepresents environmental economics.