Context

This episode features a panel discussion recorded at the "Growing Out of Growth" festival, an event dedicated to exploring and promoting degrowth as a viable pathway toward a sustainable and equitable future. The festival brought together researchers, activists, and practitioners to discuss the theoretical and practical aspects of degrowth, challenging the dominant growth paradigm and exploring alternative economic models lifestyles, and cultures. The panel titled "The way forward — What can we do to make degrowth a reality?" specifically focused on the practical implementation and social implications of degrowth policies.

Speakers:

• Ulrich Teidlt: Letzte Generation, physics educator.
• Julio Linares: Activist and economic anthropologist, Basic Income activist, author
• Carolina Rübe: Konzeptwerk Neue Ökonomie (think tank for new economy)
• Antonio Rohrßen: Former member of “Klima Liste” (a political party) and the Organizer of the Beyond Growth Germany conference 
• Dr. Federica Habermann: Historian, economist, and author.

Summary:

The panelists begin by addressing the fundamental incompatibility of infinite economic growth with finite planetary resources. They highlight the urgent need to move away from a growth-dependent economic model, emphasizing that degrowth is not about austerity or deprivation but about creating a more sustainable and equitable society.

The discussion then delves into specific degrowth policies and strategies. Key themes include:

• Reduction of resource consumption: The need to reduce our ecological footprint by consuming less and producing more sustainably.
• Redistribution of wealth: Addressing inequality by redistributing wealth and resources more equitably.
• Transformation of work: The panel explores the potential for shorter working hours and alternative forms of work that prioritize well-being and social value over profit.
• Rethinking consumption patterns: The speakers discuss the need to shift away from consumerism and towards more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyles.
• The urgency of climate action: The need for radical changes in our economic and social systems to address the climate crisis.

The speakers also touch upon the challenges of implementing degrowth, including the need to overcome resistance from vested interests and to build broad public support for change.

Organizers: https://growingoutofgrowth.org/

External sources / Book Recommendations:

• DW enteignen - an initiative to socialize and democratize the Berlin housing market

By Dr. Federica Habermann

• Ausgetauscht - Warum gutes Leben für alle tauschlogikfrei sein muss
• Ecommony - UmCARE zum Miteinander

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