| |

Is economic growth compatible with solving climate change?

Tim Jackson in conversation with Zeke Hausfather from Breakthrough Institute; hosted by The World, a US public radio program “that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter.”
First aired on 30 April 2021

Image: courtesy of Daria Shevtsova/pexels.com
Radio Programme →

From the The World programme’s website:

Can an economy grow and curb climate emissions? That’s the dual feat that President Joe Biden is trying to accomplish. Economists and environmentalists are split on this question. Some argue that growth needs to slow in order to protect the planet. There’s no way around that. Others argue that smart growth, fueled by renewable energy, can allow economies to continue to grow and not do further damage to the planet. The World’s host Marco Werman discusses this with climate scientist Zeke Hausfather at The Breakthrough Institute in California, and ecological economist Tim Jackson at the University of Surrey whose book, “Post Growth: Life After Capitalism,” comes out end of May.

You can listen to the podcast on the pri.org website. The audio stream is also embedded below.

Related reading

It is clear that the larger the economy becomes, the more difficult it is to decouple that growth from its material impacts... This isn't to suggest that decoupling itself is either unnecessary or impossible. On the contrary, decoupling well-being from material throughput is vital if societies are to deliver a more sustainable prosperity—for people and for the planet. (This article is posted on the Science website).
It is clear that the larger the economy becomes, the more difficult it is to decouple that growth from its material impacts... This isn't to suggest that decoupling itself is either unnecessary or impossible. On the contrary, decoupling well-being from material throughput is vital if societies are to deliver a more sustainable prosperity—for people and for the planet. (This article is posted on the Science website).
Economy
System Dynamics
November 26, 2019
Sluggish recovery in the wake of the financial crisis has revived discussion of a ‘secular stagnation’. These conditions have been blamed for rising inequality and political instability. Tim Jackson contests this view, pointing instead to a steadfast refusal to address the ‘post-growth challenge’.
Sluggish recovery in the wake of the financial crisis has revived discussion of a ‘secular stagnation’. These conditions have been blamed for rising inequality and political instability. Tim Jackson contests this view, pointing instead to a steadfast refusal to address the ‘post-growth challenge’.
Economy
Health
Politics & Enterprise
System Dynamics
May 13, 2018
The challenges facing the world and the UK today are unprecedented. A global health emergency, a global climate crisis; and a catastrophic loss of biodiversity, are undermining the basis for future prosperity in the UK and across the world. This article, written for The New York Times in 2012, speaks to the theme of restoring the value of decent work to its rightful place at the heart of society.
The challenges facing the world and the UK today are unprecedented. A global health emergency, a global climate crisis; and a catastrophic loss of biodiversity, are undermining the basis for future prosperity in the UK and across the world. This article, written for The New York Times in 2012, speaks to the theme of restoring the value of decent work to its rightful place at the heart of society.
Arts
Economy
Health
Politics & Enterprise
Society
System Dynamics
March 26, 2020
This paper explores the ramifications of the combined crises now faced by the prevailing growth-based model of economics. In paying a particular attention to the nature of enterprise, the quality of work, the structure of investment and the role of money, the paper develops the conceptual basis for social innovation in each of these areas, and provides empirical examples of such innovations.
This paper explores the ramifications of the combined crises now faced by the prevailing growth-based model of economics. In paying a particular attention to the nature of enterprise, the quality of work, the structure of investment and the role of money, the paper develops the conceptual basis for social innovation in each of these areas, and provides empirical examples of such innovations.
Arts
Economy
Finance
Health
Nature of Prosperity
Philosophy
Politics & Enterprise
Society
October 9, 2016
Capitalism is broken. The relentless pursuit of more has delivered climate catastrophe, social inequality and financial instability—and left us ill prepared for life in a global pandemic. Weaving together philosophical reflection, economic insight and social vision, Tim Jackson’s passionate and provocative book dares us to imagine a world beyond capitalism—a place where relationship and meaning take precedence over profits and power. Post Growth is both a manifesto for system change and an invitation to rekindle a deeper conversation about the nature of the human condition.
Capitalism is broken. The relentless pursuit of more has delivered climate catastrophe, social inequality and financial instability—and left us ill prepared for life in a global pandemic. Weaving together philosophical reflection, economic insight and social vision, Tim Jackson’s passionate and provocative book dares us to imagine a world beyond capitalism—a place where relationship and meaning take precedence over profits and power. Post Growth is both a manifesto for system change and an invitation to rekindle a deeper conversation about the nature of the human condition.
Economy
Health
Nature of Prosperity
Philosophy
Society
March 25, 2021
'Whatever it takes' | Blog by Tim Jackson
'Whatever it takes' | Blog by Tim Jackson
Economy
Finance
Politics & Enterprise
System Dynamics
June 25, 2019