Given that we live on a planet with finite resources, the current economic model based on unlimited growth seems destined to collapse. But is there a viable alternative, and are we prepared to face the consequences of a deliberate reduction in production and consumption?

The Industrial Revolution spurred global economic growth and boomed at the end of the Second World War with the rise of consumerism. From the 1950s onwards, a rapid process of unprecedented economic growth began which, despite recessions, has proved unstoppable.

Energy consumption per capita followed a parallel path after remaining relatively stable for decades. And the same can be said about fertiliser use, water consumption, paper production, etc. Similarly, greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss increased exponentially.

This development process is linked to an increase in the use of natural resources, pollution, and climate change. A conscious and planned transformation of the economic and social structure to make it more sustainable must thus be envisaged.

To move towards this ecological transition, pacts are needed to enable a reduction of environmentally harmful businesses in favour of more sustainable ones that are part of a circular economy. Perhaps most importantly, it requires a change in the mindset of society and, even more difficult, of a political class now subservient to corporate interests.

Avoiding a false dichotomy

Unlike economic growth, measured by an increase in gross domestic product (GDP), economic degrowth is a social and political movement that encourages the deliberate reduction of productivity and consumption and promotes the redistribution of wealth to achieve a more sustainable and balanced life.

Debates about the attitude towards climate change or the prevailing economic growth model often boil down to a confrontation between these two extremes. On the one hand, those who want to change nothing to maintain the status quo, on the other hand, those who want to change everything to dismantle the current system and replace it with a model of degrowth.

This false dilemma divides society and does not represent the public at large. It does not have to be this way. For example, just as we can all agree that it is preferable to improve social welfare or public institutions rather than worsen them, or to prevent armed conflicts, surely we would also agree if we talked of sustainable growth or decreasing polluting industries.

On the other hand, the same solution cannot be applied at a global level. Economic growth goes hand in hand with prosperity, and it is very easy and even hypocritical to advocate for a model of economic degrowth from a position of privilege towards developing countries. This dilemma is not new and has already led to tensions over greenhouse gas reduction quotas.

Similarly, an imposed economic degrowth would require unprecedented state intervention and loss of freedoms, at least in a democratic society. Are we prepared to take on this increased government control after the farmers’ protests against such measures that have taken place across Europe? Can we take on more taxes and more restrictions on what we can or cannot do?

There is no doubt that this transition to a more sustainable model of society is necessary, whether the choice is to maintain, increase or reduce economic growth, the solution will necessarily pass through adopting a viable hybrid model capable of uniting society as a whole.

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