We’re told GDP measures the health of an economy. If it goes up, we’re doing well. If it drops, we panic.

But GDP counts everything that’s bought and sold. Oil spill cleanups. Hospital bills. Fast food. Plastic bottles. More spending equals better numbers, even if the spending comes from damage, sickness, or waste.

So what are we actually measuring? Progress or just consumption?

Maybe the real question isn’t how fast the line is rising.
It’s whether our people and our planet are actually better off.