Degrowth

Table of contents

Let's Talk Degrowth

What is degrowth?

View larger image Learning Degrowth. What is Degrowth? Degrowth is both a transformative movement and a critical framework
View larger image Transformative movement: a social movement with the aim of making major changes to society to achieve systemic change
View larger image Critical framework: a theoretical approach that questions power structures, economic dynamics, and social norms to encourage critical thinking
View larger image It challenges the prevailing growth-centric economic and social paradigms. It advocates for a reduction in material and energy used in production and consumption to align human activities with ecological limits and requires that this reduction is planned and democratic
View larger image A key part of this change is to ensure social justice and enhance well-being for all
View larger image Degrowth is a not a one-size-fits-all concept but a mosaic of ideas, practices and visions that draw from a variety of sources

Why should we degrow?

View larger image Why should we degrow?
View larger image Endless growth leads to environmental degradation. Our pursuit of more thas pushed nature beyond its limits, harming the very ecosystems we rely on
View larger image Growth deepens inequality. The race for growth benefits a few, leaving many behind. A degrowth approach promotes equity, ensuring resources and opportunities are fairly distributed
View larger image More doesnt mean happier. Studies show that beyond a certain point, increased wealth doesn't equate to happiness.
View larger image Finite resources, infinite demands. Our planet's resources are limited. Continuing to consume at current rates is unsustainable
View larger image Embracing degrowth isnt about individual sacrifice - it's about creating system-wide changes that lead to sustainable, equitable future

Degrowth policies

View larger image Degrowth policies. Did you know that there are hundreds of proposed policies that could all work together to bring about a degrowth transition?
View larger image Increasing well being without economic growth. Universal basic services: guarantee public access to essential services, including education, healthcare, public transport, housing, food and essential utilities to ensure a high quality of life independent of economic growth. Reduced workweek: shorten the workweek to 3-4days do distribute employment more equitably, aiming to decrease unemployment and give people more free time. Job guarantee: create a federally funded but locally adminsitered employment programme offering jobs to all, focusing on projects that yield social and environmental benefits, ensuring meaningful employment opportunities. Debt cancellation: push for the cancellation of debts, particularly for countries in the Global South, to relieve economic constraints and allow for much-needed investment in public services
View larger image Reducing material and energy production and consumption. - **Scale Down Harmful Industries:** Equitably reduce the size of industries harmful to the environment, like fossil fuels, industrial animal agriculture, and fast fashion. - **End Planned Obsolescence:** Encourage the design of durable, repairable products to reduce waste and extend product lifespans. - **Cut Advertising:** Reallocate advertising budgets towards promoting sustainable practices and cultural activities, reducing consumerism. - **Shift to Usership:** Encourage models of sharing and renting instead of ownership to lessen the demand for production and reduce waste. - **Money Creation:** Support the principle that governments, rather than banks, should be the primary creators of money to finance public goods and diminish inequality. - **Co-operative Models:** Advocate for businesses to adopt co-operative and steward-ownership models, prioritising community welfare and environmental sustainability over profits.
View larger image When talking to friends or family about degrowth policies, remember that they represent a significant shift from the status quo, which can be frightening. Approach these conversations with humility, gentleness, and respect.

Degrowth values

View larger image Degrowth values
View larger image Degrowth Values are the deep-seated beliefs and ideals that motivate the movement's vision for society. They represent the ethical foundation upon which the degrowth philosophy is built.
View larger image Autonomy & Democracy. Autonomy and democracy are about freeing ourselves from the necessity of working to survive and having the space to make choices collectively ensuring that our communities live and work in ways that feel right to us.
View larger image Care. Care is about showing compassion and support for each other, our communities, and all life on Earth. It's about valuing kindness and solidarity over competition and greed.
View larger image Justice. Justice means ensuring everyone has a fair chance at a good life, no matter where they come from or what they look like. It's about acknowledging and correcting historical wrongs, reducing excess consumption among those living beyond their fair share, and aiming for social justice and equality.
View larger image Sustainability & Sufficiency. Sustainability and sufficiency ensure everyone has what they need to live well within the ecological limits that allow the planet to support and regenerate all forms of life, now and in the future.
View larger image Well-being. Well-being is all about living a good, decent and dignified life, where everyone's and everything's health and happiness matter more than how much stuff we own.
View larger image Community. Community is about building strong, supportive and resilient networks where we look after each other. It's celebrating togetherness and collaboration, creating a sense of belonging, mutual care and interdependence with each other and our surrounding ecosystems.

How do we pay for degrowth?

View larger image How do we pay for degrowth?
View larger image Exploring the transition to a degrowth economy often leads to the pivotal question: "How do we pay for it?", that's where MMT comes in
View larger image Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) offers a key to unlocking a successful degrowth transformation by showing us that governments can afford to invest in a healthier planet and society without needing the economy to grow.
View larger image MMT teaches us that a country that controls its currency can fund big changes for the environment (ecosystem regeneration, renewable energy deployment, convivial conservation) and communities (job guarantee, universal basic services, community resilience) as long as it keeps an eye on not causing too much inflation (which can be controlled with taxes).
View larger image This means we can focus on what truly matters—building a sustainable world with less waste and more care for people and nature.
View larger image By embracing MMT, we can pave the way for degrowth, shifting resources towards things that make life better for everyone without pressure to constantly increase economic output (GDP).

Degrowth on the rise

View larger image Degrowth on the rise
View larger image Did you know data suggests that a significant number of people are open to, and even support, the idea of prioritizng ecological well-being over profits and relentless economic growth?
View larger image A survey done by the German Environment Agency found that 88% agree that "we must find ways of living well regardless of economic growth", and 77% agree that "there are natural limits to growth, and we went beyond them". Source: Umwelt Bundesamt, 2023
View larger image A survey of nearly 500 sustainability scholars found that 77% call for post-growth pathways in high income countries. Source: Ecological Economics (2023)
View larger image A study exploring two survey datasets found that 61% of the Spanish public hold growth-critical positions (agrowth or degrowth), with less than one-third of respondents in the survey expressing support for green growth. Source: Ecological Economics, 2019
View larger image According to a 4-year survey across Brazil, the UK, China and Sweden, an overwhelming majority of people agree with reducing overall consumption and residential energy use and limiting air travel. Similarly, a majority also supports reducing meat consumption. Source: CAST, 2023
View larger image Poll shows that 70% of US citizens believe that "environmental protection is more important than economic growth". Source: Yala Climate Opinion Maps, 2018

Degrowth myths and misconceptions

View larger image Degrowth myths and misconceptions
View larger image Degrowth often sparks vibrant discussions and, inevitably, a fair share of misconceptions. It's a concept that challenges deeply ingrained notions of progress and success, leading to misunderstandings about its goals and implications.
View larger image Degrowth vs. Recession. Degrowth isn't about economic decline; it's a conscious shift from GDP-focused growth to enhancing life quality. Unlike a recession, which is unintentional and harmful, degrowth is a deliberate, positive change which puts people and the planet before profits.

Degrowth vs. Recession

View larger image Degrowth Means All Sectors Must Shrink. Overall, the world's economy has to shrink because we're using up Earth's resources too fast. However, some sectors and countries must grow (Renewables, Healthcare, Education), and some must shrink (Fast Fashion, Aviation, SUVs).

Degrowth Means All Sectors Must Shrink

View larger image Degrowth is Contrary to Human Nature and Progress. Is our nature to progress? Yes. However, degrowth argues that progress isn't about accumulating wealth, power, and status. Degrowth seeks to redefine progress to mean the enhancement of collective well-being and ecological stability, not just individual accumulation.

Degrowth is Contrary to Human Nature and Progress.

View larger image Degrowth Demands Only Individual Sacrifices. Degrowth champions a collective endeavour towards sustainability, deeply rooted in community strength and mutual support. It's about enriching lives with connections to people and nature, not isolating individuals or demanding personal sacrifice without communal benefit.

Degrowth Demands Only Individual Sacrifices.

View larger image Degrowth as A One-Size-Fits-All Solution. Far from prescribing a universal blueprint, degrowth acknowledges the rich tapestry of global cultures, philosophies and economies that have influenced it. It advocates for context-sensitive approaches that respect local conditions, traditions, and needs.

Degrowth as A One-Size-Fits-All Solution.

We're a member of the IDN

View larger image We're a member of the IDN. AltShift is proud to be a member organisation of the International Degrowth Network
View larger image The IDN was launched in August 2023 after over 100 individuals and 25 groups approved a proposal detailing the framework, strucutre and decision process of a network od degrowth-aligned groups
View larger image The IDN uses sociocracy (like AltShift!) and is organised into regional and thematic circles. AltShift is part of the Events Circle where we collaborate with other degrowth festivals and conferences
View larger image Learn more about the IDN through the website degrowth.net

Degrowth database

View larger image Let's talk degrowth. Degrowth database. Have you hear about the degrowth database?
View larger image It's a cozy corner of the internet where you can find thousands of well-organized resources that can help you further your understanding of degrowth
View larger image The database includes information for all types of learners. Whether you prefer scientific papers, videos, podcasts, music, books or forums, the database has it all and more.
View larger image You can access the database with this link: degrowth.net/resources/the-degrowth-database

Degrowth & extractivism

View larger image Let’s talk degrowth: Degrowth & extractivism. Swipe to read more
View larger image At its core, capitalism needs cheap nature. Endless economic growth is fueled by exploiting land, labor and other forms of life. Extractivism and its violent supply chains is the engine to produce economic growth and serves to perpetuate the interests of wealthy classes. Source: FOE International
View larger image Nearly anything can be extracted: Raw materials, data, labour, cultures. But extraction doesn’t happen without harm. Behind it lies a logic of violence: land grabs and forced displacement; pollution of food, water, and air; exploitation of labor and indigenous rights; gender-based violence and systemic discrimination; criminalization of workers and defenders; militarized protection of corporate interests. Source: FOE International
View larger image Extraction operates above all else, and competition for profit spurs economic growth. Economic growth clearly correlates with ecological consumption and on a finite planet that means destruction. Therefore, critiquing extractivism means critiquing economic growth. Source FOE International
View larger image “Degrowth is breaking with the extractivist model of development that benefits growth and accumulation over the well-being of humans and more than human life.” Source: Barbara Taxeira
View larger image Degrowth calls for the revaluation of a relational ontology of reciprocity, care, pluriversality and a reinvention of life beyond accumulation. This directly opposes extractivist logics of commodification of life as extractable, exploitable and a source for endless accumulation.
View larger image **How?** –Degrowth directly targets the economic logic of expansion at the imperial core that drives extractivism. [(Source: FOE International)](https://assets.nationbuilder.com/foe/pages/2562/attachments/original/1660621207/143_softcopy.pdf?1660621207#page=7) –Degrowth challenges the colonial division of labour where the 1% grows by extracting resources and cheap labour from the global majority. [(Source: Miriam Lang)](https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/CEFCE899C62C46DABEF00FE82C5BAFE5/S0260210524000147a.pdf/degrowth-global-asymmetries-and-ecosocial-justice-decolonial-perspectives-from-latin-america.pdf) –Degrowth promotes relocalization, food sovereignty and democratic control over production. This reduces dependency on extractive industries [(Source: Science Direct](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1877343517300179))
View larger image Anti-extractivism has long been led by Indigenous, peasant, and Afro-descendant communities. Degrowth achieves anti-extractivism by amplifying these voices, aligning with pluriversal visions rather than imposing a universal blueprint. [Source:](https://assets.nationbuilder.com/foe/pages/2562/attachments/original/1660621207/143_softcopy.pdf?1660621207#page=7) [Miriam Lang](https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/CEFCE899C62C46DABEF00FE82C5BAFE5/S0260210524000147a.pdf/degrowth-global-asymmetries-and-ecosocial-justice-decolonial-perspectives-from-latin-america.pdf) **These are the pathways we will be exploring together at AltShift 2025.**

Degrowth and anti-fascism

View larger image Let's talk degrowth: degrowth and antifascism. Swipe to read more
View larger image “Fascism is a form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation, or victimhood and by compensatory cults of unity, energy, and purity, in which a mass-based party of committed nationalist militants, working in uneasy but effective collaboration with traditional elites, abandons democratic liberties and pursues with redemptive violence and without ethical or legal restraints goals of internal cleansing and external expansion.” Source: Robert Paxon
View larger image Anti-fascism thus entails combined opposition to: 1) the “internal cleansing” of racialized, gendered and otherwise oppressed populations that fascists consider “weak” or “impure”. 2) external expansion through militarism and other direct and indirect forms of imperialism. 3) the capitalist economy that “traditional elites” and their fascist foot soldiers seek to defend. Source: Pratik Raghu
View larger image Sounds familiar? At first glance, degrowth very much shares these priorities with anti-fascism. However, there is a depolitization trend within the movement that could enable its co-optation and absorption by the dominant fascist capitalist institutions. Anti-fascist theory and praxis offer tough questions about identity, ideology and strategy to depolitized growth criticism. Pratik Raghu proposes 3 ways to integrate antfascist analysis and practice into post-gowth and degrowth:
View larger image 1) As long as growth criticism fails to confront the capitalist ruling class’s monopoly over private property for the purposes of exploitation, the fascist and eco-fascist threats will remain or even intensify. We have to suspend profit-making to ensure the holistic long-term wellbeing of the laboring classes and Earth as a whole. We need to prevent growth criticism from becoming yet another progressive program that falters, contorts, and crumbles while moving through “proper institutional channels”. Pratik Raghu
View larger image 2) The romanticization of local, self-reliant communities can inadvertently resonate with fascistic ideals of purity, parochialism, and tradition. We have to be aware that these communities can be sites of chauvinism, exclusion, and repression. Source: Pratik Raghu
View larger image 3) “Fascism is colonialism turned inward.” Decolonization is, by definition, political. Therefore, if growth criticism is to relieve oppressed communities in the Global South and North of the pressures of atmospheric colonization and material extractivism we have to acknowledge that the military-industrial complex and transnational corporations are fundamentally incompatible with any post-capitalist futures envisioned by degrowth. Demilitarization must be a cornerstone of growth criticism. Source: Pratik Raghu
View larger image Anti-fascist theory and practice stand to deepen degrowth’s critiques of capitalism, imperialism, and various forms of chauvinism, guarding against co-option in the process. Anti-fascism demands an even broader diversity of tactics to cultivate post-capitalist futures. These tactics will be explored together during AltShift. Source: Pratik Raghu

Resources

https://explore.degrowth.net/ (external link)
https://degrowth.info/degrowth (external link)