In the midst of a world facing increasingly urgent economic and environmental challenges, a crucial debate is emerging: are we on the road to a degrowth of economy or a degrowth in economy?
The other day, listening to an interview with Fernando Valladares, biologist and CSIC research professor, his concept of degrowth awakened deep reflections on the direction we should take as a society today and made me question what I do every day in favor of this change.
Instead of associating degrowth with impoverishment, Valladares presents it as an imperative need that requires careful planning and a re-evaluation of our social values.
Planning and managing the process of degrowth in advance and proactively is important. Instead of facing an unforeseen recession, degrowth offers us the opportunity to manage change in a measured and controlled manner. This involves setting clear objectives and strategies to mitigate negative impacts on vulnerable sectors.
One of the keys to dealing with degrowth is to shift our mindset from unlimited growth to an approach that I would define as integral minimalism. This implies reducing impulsive and excessive consumption, especially in sectors such as oil, where 40% is used to extract oil. Pretty much the image that comes to your mind when you think of a dog biting its own tail. Adopting a more sustainable and aware lifestyle becomes an urgent need.
The prospect of living with less may look radical, but studies show that a standard of living similar to today's could be guaranteed with just 10% of today's resources. This approach compels us to rethink our consumption habits and to value each available resource more highly.
In the current framework, it is clear enough we face a degrowth economy. Pandemic effects such as inflation, labor instability, and supply chain weakness force us to rethink our current economic model. It’s essential to recognize this reality and work toward a degrowth economy that prioritizes equality and sustainability.
In the long run, the debate on whether we are in a degrowth of economy or degrowth in economy is crucial to define the path ahead. It’s essential to recognize the current challenges and work together to build a more stable, fair, and equitable society. The transition to a degrowth of economy can be challenging however it represents an opportunity to redefine our values and priorities as a society.
Reference:
RTVE Noticias. (2023, 21 diciembre). ECONOMÍA SOSTENIBLE: LORENZO MILÁ nos explica la TEORÍA del DECRECIMIENTO en «OBJETIVO PLANETA» | [Vídeo]. YouTube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBLvJ7tX-ZQ