Can humanity survive degrowth?
Remarks from TPEX consultancy for decision makers.
How would a society no longer seeking growth work?
Written SH on 2024-01-24.
Tagged growth environment
In the annals of history, the engine propelling capitalist societies has been one of relentless pursuit — an unwavering quest for economic growth, often at the expense of humanity and our delicate environment. For decades, this ethos has guided policies and decisions, shaping a world where prosperity was measured in sheer GDP figures, heedless of the cost paid by both people and planet.
Yet, amidst the clamor for progress, a profound shift is underway. The chorus of concerns regarding our environment’s fragility, societal inequality, and the transformative emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) challenges the very premise that perpetual growth, at any expense, is an indispensable necessity.
In our view, the question is no longer whether growth will run into limits, but rather how we can enable societies to prosper without growth, to ensure a just and ecological future.Hickel, J., Kallis, G., Jackson, T., O’Neill, D.W., Schor, J.B., Steinberger, J., Victor, P.A. and Ürge-Vorsatz, D., 2022. Degrowth can work — here's how science can help. Nature. online.
As these pressing concerns converge, a critical question looms large: what does it mean to target degrowth in a world built on the edifice of relentless expansion? What seismic shifts occur in our economic fabric when growth is not the relentless pursuit but a thoughtful, balanced endeavor? The very foundations of debt burdens, historically entwined with growth narratives, face reevaluation in this paradigm shift.
Moreover, envisioning a post-growth financial landscape demands a fundamental rethink of our monetary systems and fiscal policies. How would our financial systems adapt to a world not fixated on incessant expansion? What models of sustainability, investment, and resource allocation emerge in an economy not measured solely by its unending upward trajectory?
These questions demand our utmost attention and collaborative deliberation. Embracing the complexities of this transition calls for a reimagining of our societal goals and economic models. It beckons us to envision a future where prosperity is not measured merely by GDP figures but by a harmonious balance between human flourishing and environmental sustainability.
In charting this new course, we embark on a journey toward a more equitable, resilient, and balanced world. It is a path fraught with challenges, yet one pregnant with immense possibilities for a future where growth is redefined not as an endless ascent but as a collective, mindful pursuit of progress.
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References
Hickel, J., Kallis, G., Jackson, T., O’Neill, D.W., Schor, J.B., Steinberger, J., Victor, P.A. and Ürge-Vorsatz, D., 2022. Degrowth can work — here's how science can help. Nature.URL.
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