Any reference to GDP growth actually describes the exponential rise of the five processes of global economy namely: 

• Extraction

• Production

• Distribution

• Consumption

• Excretion 

which cumulatively (in material & energy terms) can also refer to economic throughput (TP)

What leads to OVERSHOOT OR BIOSPHERIC COLLAPSE?

• TP > the replenishment rate of Renewable Resources (RR) or the Bio-capacity

• TP > the depletion rate of the Non-renewable Resources (NRR)  & 

• TP > the absorption rate of the  Ecosystems (or assimilation capacity)

To avoid Overshoot the TP of the global economy must always within the ‘safe limits’ (sustainability limits) as shown in graph (B)