“Degrowth is an academic and social movement that critiques the focus on GDP growth as a measure of human and economic development. It advocates for shrinking economies to use fewer resources, aiming for ecological sustainability and socio-political equity. Degrowth challenges prevailing economic dynamics and social norms, promoting a transformative movement for systemic change.” (Wikipedia)
This BBC video asks “Can De-growth can save the world”. Maybe it can, but how do we actually go about “de-growing” our economies, since most people, most politicians, and most economists – are fixated on the idea that “GROWTH” is the magic bullet which will improve the lives of everyone. Most people assume that MORE CONSUMPTION translates into BETTER LIVES and they cannot be blamed for thinking that because, if we look at the big picture – more and cheaper consumer goodies, more and better food, bigger and better cars, nice restaurants, more foreign travel, more luxury at every level – it does seem to have worked doesn’t it?
Well, one thing we can do is to get rid of 90% of cars and with it, most of its appendages – which includes roads for example. That, at a rough guess, would reduce our sacred “economies” by 15-20%. The question is “would it also make us 15-20% poorer”? By the usual measures yes, but not for those fortunate enough to live in an Oasis-City..!
