I draw my readers’ attention to the comments by Nick and Mike in my post “Do You Believe In The Great Reset?”
These two comments reminded me of a very significant book Degrowth by Giorgos Kallis which I read before Covid hit us early this year. Covid has brought in focus many worries that had occupied thinking minds about our world and the book sounds in retrospect almost prophetic.
I was reminded of the book by another reminder in the form of an interview that Georgos Kallis gave to our Economic times three days ago.
Some of my other recent posts have been trying to convey to my readers that living a simple life with few wants can be very satisfactory and more important, possible.
I urge my readers to read the book.
The author of “Degrowth,” Giorgos Kallis, along with several others, has a new book, “The Case for Degrowth” ( https://amzn.to/3aHtXRk ) published this year.
The preface of the book is available online at Amazon using the “read inside” feature.
In it, the authors urge, “Instead states need to finance Green New Deals and rebuild their health and care infrastructures creating jobs in a just transition to economies that are less environmentally damaging.”
To me, the “Green New Deal,” as envisioned by our U.S. politicians, would be an economic catastrophe that would make the current COVID situation pale in comparison. I fear such an experiment would lead to consequences far different—and worse—than what the authors suggest.
Just like the “Great Reset,” I believe such plans—including degrowth—unlikely to succeed in any significant measure as the cooperation needed for them is unlikely—probably impossible—in this divided world with immense opposition probable by significant portions of the public once they discover what is being asked of them.
Mike recently posted..Spearfish Canyon Hot Rod
While normally an optimist, I regretfully have to share your pessimism on this score.
Curbing economic growth to avoid further environmental destruction is a great idea, but again one that’s unlikely to be taken up in a big way as so many people are addicted to consumption and the economic growth that inevitably goes with it.
We need to popularise minimalism and educate the masses about The Diderot Effect!
agree with Nick … business/profits is the name of the game. When we were in our severe lockdown, it was soon apparently that big businesses were accessing their profitability – and they started closing branch stores, laying off various staff which of course kicked in pretty quickly.
No point blaming the businesses. People have to change and be taught about minimalism and The Diderot Effect.