The Degrowth Debate

 by Sarada P

With increased awareness on climate change, the degrowth debate has accelerated. Thus, if the current economic model- which is based on the assumption of infinite growth- is upheld, it may well lead to climate catastrophe. Unregulated, exponential growth will lead to an overexploitation of scarce resources, leading to ecological damage, according to the degrowth movement. Degrowth is an economic theory that values well-being over profit. The theory revolves around preserving the Earth’s dwindling resources and allowing for its regenerative capacity to be restored. It focuses on shrinking the economy in order to limit exploitation, while striving to achieve socio-economic equity, as well as ecological sustainability. Many advocates for the movement believe that economic growth is the root cause of socioeconomic inequity. Hence, degrowth theory replaces monetary measures of growth such as GDP to measures oriented around social and ecological values- life expectancy, health, education, to name a few. The ideology looks to achieve improved sufficiency as opposed to efficiency. Sufficiency is the “re-evaluating the amount of production and consumption truly necessary for human well-being.” This would mean behavioural change- shifting societal habits so that consumers will collectively and willingly decrease their consumption.

The coining of the term degrowth can be dated back to 1972. In this year, a book “The Limits of Growth” was published. This sparked numerous criticisms and debates on the idea of infinite growth. It was through discussions following this publication and questions asked by intellectuals at the time (Andre Gorz, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen, Jacques Grinevald and Ivo Rens amongst others) that the word "décroissance” (French for degrowth) emerged. Although the term only dates back to the 70s, talks about alternatives to growth had been in existence for years already. The magazine “Silence” published an issue with an article on growth in 2002 which has gained popularity and instigated many talks between environmental activists and critics. The term spread in popularity, and soon the “Institute for Economic and Social Studies on Sustainable Degrowth” was founded in Lyon. Since 2008, many more conferences have taken place and attracted participants from diverse disciplines as well as activists and practitioners. Several academic papers on degrowth have been published in international journals. Furthermore, books dealing with degrowth are available in major parts of the global North and published in various languages.

Degrowth has been taken into action in many different forms- many people propose new models whilst others analyse refinements that could be made to existing models. Others take matters into their own hands and aim to change their own actions to create meaningful change. They try not to contribute to the growth of the economy, rather they aim to create their own degrowth economics. Many ride bikes, take public transport, reuse and repair clothes/items and use other ecologically sustainable methods of living.

In addition to advocating for a sharp decline in production and consumption, degrowth also calls for increased public involvement in politics, increased diversity, particularly in ecological systems and landscapes, and of commoning resources/necessities, caregiving, and creativity while using renewable resources.

However, like with all theories, there are numerous opponents and critics to the degrowth theory. The opinion website Vox, argues that economic progress has provided the globe with "cancer treatments, neonatal intensive care units, smallpox vaccines, and insulin.” suggesting this economic growth cannot be completely disregarded.

Additionally, many countries have reduced emissions while increasing GDP. Therefore many argue that the negative effects of economic growth can be limited in ways which don't require a shift in consumption habits.They accomplished this using technology such as renewable energy. 

Whilst degrowth is an exciting topic that is full of exciting opportunities in the realms of sustainable use of finite, depleting resources, it may be important to use elements of the theory in conjunction with existing economic models.