its important to appreciate that we are talking about changing the central meme of our global civilization - economic growth. This has never been done before and we frankly dont know how to do it. One approach we are taking in NZ is to work at developing resilient communities from a degrowth perspective - meaning in the simplest way possible, with the smallest ecological footprint possible, and with a focus on universal basic needs ( both material and non-material). Given all the uncertainties we face, one certainty we can be confident of is that universal basic needs will be relevant. Indeed, they will become more relevant as they are increasingly challenged by the many risks we face. This approach will allow at least some people to be prepared for the uncertainties ahead, and provide living examples of how to live well with less. Unless we have our basic needs met, and meet them within biophysical limits, little else matters. Degrowth is unlikely to ever be popular or mainstream until it is too late.
Good points, Matt. Re. the increasing agreement with degrowth, I found it interesting that the latest Population Connection (former Zero Population Growth) magazine cited, with praise, an article that supported the need to end endless economic growth, an article that cited Jason Hickel, among others. A couple of years ago, when I contacted Population Connection about supporting degrowth, the reply I got was, in essence, that degrowth was not popular so they were going to support green growth instead. Seems the tides are turning.
Thanks for pointing that out Arwen. I hadn't seen that. I'll check it out.
its important to appreciate that we are talking about changing the central meme of our global civilization - economic growth. This has never been done before and we frankly dont know how to do it. One approach we are taking in NZ is to work at developing resilient communities from a degrowth perspective - meaning in the simplest way possible, with the smallest ecological footprint possible, and with a focus on universal basic needs ( both material and non-material). Given all the uncertainties we face, one certainty we can be confident of is that universal basic needs will be relevant. Indeed, they will become more relevant as they are increasingly challenged by the many risks we face. This approach will allow at least some people to be prepared for the uncertainties ahead, and provide living examples of how to live well with less. Unless we have our basic needs met, and meet them within biophysical limits, little else matters. Degrowth is unlikely to ever be popular or mainstream until it is too late.
Good points, Matt. Re. the increasing agreement with degrowth, I found it interesting that the latest Population Connection (former Zero Population Growth) magazine cited, with praise, an article that supported the need to end endless economic growth, an article that cited Jason Hickel, among others. A couple of years ago, when I contacted Population Connection about supporting degrowth, the reply I got was, in essence, that degrowth was not popular so they were going to support green growth instead. Seems the tides are turning.