This paper analyzes the effects of environmental degradation on the long-run growth path of an economy. It
seeks to answer the following question: does the effect of environmental degradation on economic activity increase
or decrease over time? To answer this question, I use a neoclassical growth model to calculate an environmental life
support multiplier. This multiplier compares the short- and long-run effects of environmental degradation on
economic activity. The value of the multiplier indicates that the effect of a reduction in environmental life support
on economic activity increases by a factor of 2-3 over time. Such results indicate that it is not possible to substitute
capital for environmental life support and maintain material well-being.