Overview
Politicians, economic advisors and the mainstream media take it for granted that economic growth is the only way forward for modern societies. Yet, since the Club of Rome’s Limits to Growth (1972), an increasing number of scientists and commentators have questioned the wisdom and feasibility of the commitment to unlimited growth. Indeed, some have argued that unless we can transform economic model which supports modern technological societies, we are heading for the collapse of our current civilisation.
Yet despite the multiple factors and vested interests which support ‘business as usual’, we can also envision different way of growing our societies which centre on community and creativity rather than cranking out higher and higher GDP.
This page is not intended to convince you that there is one ‘right’ answer to these issues. Rather, it offers a collection of resources which will help you reflect, discuss and make up your own mind on how we should shape our future. It focusses primarily (but not exclusively) on podcasts and blog posts as the most accessible way of exploring different sources of information and points of view.
Where to start
For an accessible introduction to the theme of degrowth vs green growth, we recommend the following YouTube video:
For an attempt to provide a balanced overview of arguments for green growth, degrowth or growth agnosticism, have a look at The Case for Growth Agnosticism by Michael Albert.
(Mainly) Podcasts
Below we list a number of podcast channels which regularly provide provocative and thoughtful interviews with experts from a wide variety of fields. Many of the podcasts are also available in video format.
Nate Hagens: The Great Simplification
“… a podcast that explores the systems science underpinning the human predicament. Conversation topics will span human behavior, monetary/economic systems, energy, ecology, geopolitics and the environment. The goal of the show is to inform more humans about the path ahead and inspire people to play a role in our collective future. Guests will be from a wide range of scientists, leaders, activists, thinkers, and doers.”
Manda Scott: Accidental Gods
“… the podcast where we believe that another world is still possible, and that together, we can create a future we’d be proud to leave to the generations that come after us. Our aim is to provide the tools we could ever need to understand the potential of this moment — and ourselves within it. In a world where ideas grow faster than anything, we curate the cutting edge of neuroscience and psycho-technologies, connected spirituality and resilience, politics, philosophy and human creativity so that together, in all our diversity, we can choose a different future.”
Rachel Donald: Planet: Critical
“… why the world is in crisis – and what to do about it.”
Tom Murphy: Do the Math
“Using physics and estimation to assess energy, growth, options”
| Website | https://dothemath.ucsd.edu |
| Videos | https://dothemath.ucsd.edu/metastatic-modernity-video-series/ |
| YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@tommurphy2694 |
Steve Keen: Building a New Economics
“The systems-based alternative to mainstream economics”
| Website | https://profstevekeen.substack.com |
| Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/debunking-economics-the-podcast/id1484374606 |
| Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/2iU10ZxXJ2W1LtqiMzwy7l?si=ba7e02b9c2984a4f |
(Mainly) Blogposts
Art Berman
“This data driven analysis produces hard core insights that can open your eyes to what is actually happening in the energy market. Art produces these posts to be accessible to all. Because in a world full of energy chaos, knowledge is power.”