DeepSummary
The podcast episode discusses the concept of "degrowth" - an economic model that calls for a downscaling of production and consumption in order to increase human well-being and enhance ecological conditions. It explores the idea that infinite growth on a finite planet is not sustainable and is driving catastrophic environmental destruction. Experts argue that decoupling economic growth from resource use is unconvincing and that a fundamental overhaul of our economic system is needed.
The episode examines the limitations of using GDP as a measure of progress and well-being, as it fails to account for factors like inequality, environmental degradation, and unpaid labor. Alternative metrics like the Genuine Progress Indicator are proposed to better reflect societal welfare. The concept of a "wellness economy" based on care, community, and sufficiency rather than overconsumption is explored.
Indigenous resistance movements against fossil fuel projects and their role in mitigating climate change are highlighted. The episode also touches on the impact of capitalism and colonialism on indigenous communities and the need for economic sovereignty. Experts argue that a synthesis of ecosocialism and degrowth is necessary for a just and sustainable future.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The pursuit of infinite economic growth on a finite planet is unsustainable and driving environmental catastrophe.
- GDP is an inadequate measure of progress and well-being, failing to account for factors like inequality and environmental degradation.
- Alternative economic models focused on well-being, care, and sufficiency rather than overconsumption are needed.
- A synthesis of degrowth (reducing production and consumption in rich countries) and ecosocialism (democratic control of the economy) is proposed as a path forward.
- Indigenous resistance movements against fossil fuel projects have played a significant role in mitigating climate change.
- Achieving a just and sustainable future requires granting economic sovereignty to Global South countries and moving away from extractivism.
- Grassroots movements and collective action are crucial drivers of systemic change.
- Decoupling economic growth from resource use through techno-fixes like renewable energy is unconvincing.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Capitalism is the planet's cancer. And just like cancer in the human body, we have to cut it out.“ by George Monbiot
- “We need a whole new economic system.“ by George Monbiot
- “Indigenous resistance and victories against fossil fuels kept 6.56 billion metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere, which is one quarter of the emissions for the US and Canada combined.“ by Alberto Saldamando
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Episode Information
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy
BestOfTheLeft.com
7/31/23
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!)
Original Air Date 6/17/2022
Today we take a look at many intertwining realizations that are beginning to permeate society which include but are not limited to the dead-end mentality of infinite growth, the uselessness of growth past a certain point for wellbeing, and the deepening alienation being felt in response to consumerism in place of community.
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SHOW NOTES
“Infinite growth on a finite planet is a recipe for catastrophe”
Some economists have long argued that to really save the planet – and ourselves – from the climate crisis, we need a fundamental overhaul of the way our economies work.
Ch. 3: Degrowth: liberation from growthism - The Taxcast - Air Date 9-23-21
In this episode, Naomi Fowler explores degrowth and how we liberate ourselves from ‘growthism’ with economic anthropologist Jason Hickel.
Standing Rock was a pivotal moment in regards to Indigenous resistance — but it was just one in a long line of battles that Indigenous peoples have been fighting against the twin forces of colonialism and capitalism since first contact.
Ch. 5: Eco-Socialist Degrowth? w/ Paul Murphy - Rupture Radio - Air Date 5-2-22
Capitalist growth is destroying our life support systems. Every single year the material taken from the Earth to feed the insatiable capitalist appetite for profits grows larger and the waste spewing into the atmosphere, land, rivers, and sea grows bigger
We talked about the concept of 'green growth', and why the notion of decoupling growth from intensive resource use is ultimately unconvincing. We also chatted about the Green New Deal and whether it is compatible with the politics of degrowth.
Tim Jackson, ecological economist, professor, and author of the book "Post Growth: Life After Capitalism," joins David to discuss consumption, growth, macroeconomics, the modern economy, and more.
Some economists have long argued that to really save the planet – and ourselves – from the climate crisis, we need a fundamental overhaul of the way our economies work.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: How We End Consumerism - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 6-4-21
How we end consumerism, explained.
We spoke with him about international capitalism during the pandemic, new opportunities for degrowth economics, and how to fundamentally move to a post-capitalist world — which will take more than just a shift in economic policy
We explored some alternative societal and economic models such as degrowth, living well within limits, permacircularity and we continue our quest by looking into post-growth.
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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