What is the Degrowth Movement?
Author: Meryl McBroom, Communications & Writing Coordinator
Over the course of the last half-century, the terms sustainable development, green growth, and the green economy have become synonymous with the environmental movement — but a growing number of activists are challenging the relationship between sustainability and economic growth altogether.
The “degrowth” movement gained international recognition in 2008 following the first official degrowth conference in Paris. The movement has been on the rise ever since, and is garnering new-found interest as political leaders decide how they want to emerge from the massive recession we now face. The degrowth movement continues to gain traction in progressive circles, while a fierce debate is spreading throughout the global political arena.
What is Degrowth?
The principles of degrowth are relatively straightforward — less production and consumption means greater social and ecological welfare.
Degrowth rejects capitalistic ideals in favor of a global economy which prioritizes sufficiency, democracy, redistribution and individual well-being. By doing away with traditionally Western development models, such as GDP, degrowth aims to reduce world-wide inequality and at the same time advance environmental justice (degrowth.info).
Proponents of the degrowth movement — including 2019 Economic Nobel Prize winners Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo — recognize that the climate crisis is an impending threat to humanity, and that unchecked economic growth is not helping. Just the opposite, in fact. In our current system, natural resources are being rapildy depleted while social disparities worsen. Degrowth insists that capitalism and environmental justice cannot exist within the same social framework.
What are the arguments against degrowth?
As with any radical movement, the degrowth movement has its fair share of opponents.
Many critics assert that a combination of innovation in green technology, advancements in carbon-offsetting, and better environmental policy make sustainable development entirely possible. Those in favor of green growth claim that a number of advanced economies have indeed been successful in reducing carbon emissions while turning a profit.
Others warn that imposing a degrowth economy could spark a never-ending global recession in which poverty is exacerbated. Some worry that economies of the Global South who’s markets rely on Western consumerism will be left behind, or that emerging economies will not have the same opportunities for development as their colonizer counterparts.
Members of the degrowth movement have addressed these claims — many insist that industrialized countries may rely heavily on carbon outsourcing to meet emission reduction goals, and that this method can never be considered true emission reduction. Regarding concerns of increased poverty, some claim that the current capitalist system leaves far too many people impoverished as is. A system of wealth redistribution and a reduction of excessive incomes would be necessary in a degrowth economy (CNBC).
What’s next for the degrowth movement?
The degrowth movement is undoubtedly moving its way from fringe politics into the mainstream. While some consider degrowth a vital step towards combating climate change, others remain convinced that a sustainable future is possible under a growth-oriented system.
If nothing else, the degrowth movement highlights the need to question consumerism in the climate age. It teaches us to be critical of capitalistic ideals and reflect on what kind of future we want — and most importantly — what it will take for us to get there.
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