22 Comments

My question is how indefinite GDP growth is any less magical?

At some point governments and firms are going to have to deal with ecological limitations.

I enjoy my consumption of a new gaming console or TV, gas consumption etc but I’m certainly open to public policy curbing that consumption if it’s shown to be unsustainable especially in my lifetime. I’m 28.

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The "growers" are doing magical thinking. They ignore planetary boundaries, they ignore the fact that a triple down effect is not working, they ignore the extractive economy. "Degrowers", by the way, are not only focussing on the GDP indicator. They try to develop alternatives for the current economic system that is destructing our planet and making poor people poorer and rich people richer and that causes pandemics (with zoonotic diseases as they exploit the animals too much). Indeed not an easy task, and often politically not accepted by the establisment. But still a struggle worth to continue. The only realistic way to achieve more equity, fair societies and a healthy ecosystem. Call me magical, but that sounds/is better than being part of the collective suicide..

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Several comments here identify the problem with dismissing degrowers-- dismissal doesn't address the problem at the root of their concern.

Technology fas seem to think they are more clear-eyed than degrowers, but have done no more than degrowers in dealing with implementing solutions.

Our form of growth puts us on a unsustainable path. Leida made that point and was dismissed. A rapid decline in greenhouse gas release is needed without technological solutions in hand. They are not in hand. Technology fans are no more ready to face the hard steps required to avoid continued warming than degrowers are. Just as magical.

Degrowers at least have the virtue of admitting that painful change is coming. Those who drag out tired old technology promises don't. Their complacency simply raises the odds that painful change will be forced on us without adequate planning and preparation.

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I kept reading, nodding my head in agreement, waiting for Brando’s solution.

Is it in another article?

I don’t think the degrowth scenario is politically possible, which is presumably the point here, but as best I can tell everyone engages on magical thinking of one form or another.

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Thanks Branko. How can we reduce carbon emissions enough to deal with climate change and still grow at the same time? Is it possible to do carbon negative growth? Particularly in the developing world? Cheers

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