I don't know why #degrowth keeps popping up.
As someone whose family was once poor and lived in a developing country, let me say that it's a preposterous suggestion.
We must fight for *sustainable* growth, lifting billions into the middle class. Degrowth is not an option.
As someone whose family was once poor and lived in a developing country, let me say that it's a preposterous suggestion.
We must fight for *sustainable* growth, lifting billions into the middle class. Degrowth is not an option.
I am so amazed by the thoughtful and sincere engagement from a range of voices on this important issue. Thank you all.
I have gotten a lot of useful material to read (which I will, ever so slowly), but here are a few things I've learnt:
I have gotten a lot of useful material to read (which I will, ever so slowly), but here are a few things I've learnt:
1. Many are rightfully concerned about wealth inequality & justice, both nationally & globally.
Both these issues require major changes in how our economy works. The key to this is finding solutions towards sustainable and egalitarian growth. Effective policies will help.
Both these issues require major changes in how our economy works. The key to this is finding solutions towards sustainable and egalitarian growth. Effective policies will help.
2. Addressing #ClimateChange means using clean energy, but also advances in efficiency, resilience, innovation, & adaptation.
Collectively, we can work on sustainable harvesting (water, land, ocean) & reduce waste.
This is not degrowth, it's a different kind of growth.
Collectively, we can work on sustainable harvesting (water, land, ocean) & reduce waste.
This is not degrowth, it's a different kind of growth.
3. Can wealthy people consume less? Yes, but that's beside the point.
The focus shouldn't be on prescribing what the "correct" level of consumption is. That's an idea of the past, with colonial roots.
The focus, rather, should be on consumption pathways- equity, sustainability.
The focus shouldn't be on prescribing what the "correct" level of consumption is. That's an idea of the past, with colonial roots.
The focus, rather, should be on consumption pathways- equity, sustainability.
4. Despite the #ClimateCrisis & soaring inequality, conventional growth over the past 5 decades has done enormous good globally - health, food security, life expectancy, etc. We have made mistakes along the way, but we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water.
5. All of this will require major structural changes to the global economy. We may even need to re-define growth & our measures of development. It is simply one of the most difficult challenges we face as a species.
The more engaged voices, the better. /End
The more engaged voices, the better. /End
