"The authors note correctly that GDP growth does not increase human well-being and that we humans will always compare ourselves to others, which drives a vicious cycle of status seeking that leads us to believe our wants are our needs." This to me is so important: we have to address our own inner life to move into a new paradigm.
the goal must not be about de/growth its about sustainability and waste reduction and zero to do about CO2. Many parts of the world are still emerging and they wont buy in.. but if we tell them its about getting what they need quicker they will like it. For the emerged economies its getting the same for less waste and making products better and lasting longer..
I think what you're calling for is an increase in productivity: more of what we want per unit of input, i.e. less waste. But then you have to ask, what does the economy do with the savings? An ever-growing economy does not do "the same for less" it does "more for the same" which then becomes "more for more". So it absolutely must be about degrowth. See the section on rebound effects in the paper that Matt cites.
Degrowth?...Why?.... we are very far from exhausting the planets capability to support us and technology will evolve and find ways.. Yes… lets get more waste free and pollution free but constraining growth is not going to happen for a very long time.
Give me any item that is in depletion and lets see how we can adapt from it.
Thank you. Most people do not know where to start - happy to share.
"The authors note correctly that GDP growth does not increase human well-being and that we humans will always compare ourselves to others, which drives a vicious cycle of status seeking that leads us to believe our wants are our needs." This to me is so important: we have to address our own inner life to move into a new paradigm.
the goal must not be about de/growth its about sustainability and waste reduction and zero to do about CO2. Many parts of the world are still emerging and they wont buy in.. but if we tell them its about getting what they need quicker they will like it. For the emerged economies its getting the same for less waste and making products better and lasting longer..
I think what you're calling for is an increase in productivity: more of what we want per unit of input, i.e. less waste. But then you have to ask, what does the economy do with the savings? An ever-growing economy does not do "the same for less" it does "more for the same" which then becomes "more for more". So it absolutely must be about degrowth. See the section on rebound effects in the paper that Matt cites.
Degrowth?...Why?.... we are very far from exhausting the planets capability to support us and technology will evolve and find ways.. Yes… lets get more waste free and pollution free but constraining growth is not going to happen for a very long time.
Give me any item that is in depletion and lets see how we can adapt from it.
Excellent summary of vital scholarship. Keep up the good work !