Welcome to our in-depth exploration of degrowth. In a world shaped by economic systems, our articles delve into the intersection of green politics, degrowth, and anti-capitalist principles, providing a unique perspective on reshaping economic paradigms.
Our articles offer a green perspective on degrowth, examining how it aims to redefine success beyond mere GDP growth and advocates for a sustainable, balanced approach to resource allocation.
Discover how anti-capitalist ideals align with the Green vision for an economic system that prioritizes people and the planet over profit. We explore the complexities of dismantling the current economic framework and replacing it with one that emphasizes social justice, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Navigate through insightful articles that unpack the strategies proposed by green political movements to reduce the size of the military-industrial complex.
Together, let’s envision and advocate for a future where economic prosperity is intertwined with social and ecological well-being.
[This is the final part of an exchange between Robert Pollin and Don Fitz carried inGreen Social Thought (GST) andZNet. The first portion consisted of two articles by Pollin which originally appeared in Truthout on 7/3/21 and 6/10/21. The second portion was a response by Fitz to Pollin’s articles. The third portion was a rejoinder by Pollin to Fitz’s response.] Robert Pollin repeats a message often seen in writings defending alternative energy (AltE): while they briefly shake their heads at capitalist waste, they deny an overproduction problem. In his response to my article on “Be Careful What Energy You Wish […]
Time is fast running out. The world’s affluent nations, with their abundant greenhouse emissions, have to finally drag themselves across the starting line and begin phasing out fossil fuels at the accelerated pace that the climate emergency demands. And if they can manage to do that, they clearly will need to quickly build up wind and solar electric capacity to partially compensate for the shrinkage of oil, gas, and coal supplies while addressing the prospect of energy shortages by securing production of essential goods and services for everyone. Unfortunately, mainstream climate visions have strayed far from confronting the existential necessity […]
This is the first part of an exchange between Robert Pollin and Don Fitz for ZNet. The second portion will be a response by Don Fitz. The third portion will be a short rejoinder by Pollin to this article. The final portion will be a short closing statement by Fitz. Interviews conducted by C.J. Polychroniou Interviews originally appeared in Truthout: An overview perspective on a global Green New Deal vs. degrowth perspectives as climate stabilization programs. Discussion of a specific Green New Deal program for California. Robert Pollin is Distinguished University Professor of Economics and Co-Director of the Political Economy […]
Today we face multiple, cascading ecological crises, including but not limited to rapid climate destabilization, accelerated species extinction and loss of biodiversity, chemical contamination of land and water, and soil erosion and degradation. These realities will require our species to down-power, either consciously through rational planning or as a result of larger forces beyond our control. Coming decades—not in some science-fiction future, but in the lifetimes of many of us—will be marked by permanent contraction. Like it or not, the future is not “more and more” but “fewer and less.” If there is to be a decent human future—perhaps if […]
With more than 135 nations, including the United States, now having set targets for achieving net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 or so under the Paris Agreement, hope has once again been bubbling through the climate movement. But “net zero” is not zero, and these pledges are not as ambitious as they seem. According to the world’s climate experts, to keep global warming below the 1.5 degrees Celsius called for in Paris will now require reducing greenhouse emissions by 8 percent per year, every year, until they are fully eliminated. A reduction that steep cannot be achieved without a precipitous […]
What is enough? Put that question to any economist or politician, and you are likely to get a blank stare in return. In a society devoted to continuous economic growth, there is no way to answer the question “How much is enough?” because continuous growth implies there is never enough. However, given the current climate emergency and the broader ecological breakdown that looms in the near future, there are few issues more pressing than that expressed by the single word enough, whether it’s used with a period (“I think there’s enough to go around.”), a question mark (“How much is […]
