Will the end of economic growth come by design — or disaster? | Gaya Herrington
Oct 18, 2024
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Gaya Herrington, an environmentalist and economist, argues for a fundamental shift in economic thinking from relentless growth to prioritizing well-being. She discusses the paradox of rising wealth alongside ongoing poverty and pollution. Herrington critiques GDP as a measure of success, warning against the unsustainability of perpetual growth. She advocates for a post-growth economy focused on equality, sustainability, and community wellness, suggesting that we either embrace this new model or face the dire consequences of unchecked expansion.
The current economic model's obsession with growth often overlooks critical societal needs such as poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.
Transitioning to a well-being economy emphasizes meeting human needs within ecological limits, prioritizing shared prosperity over endless expansion.
Deep dives
The Flaws of Current Economic Growth
The prevailing economic system prioritizes growth above all else, often at the expense of crucial societal needs such as poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. This focus on continuous growth has led to ecological degradation, despite advancements in technology and renewable resources. Historical analyses, such as the 1972 MIT model 'The Limits to Growth,' indicate that the relentless pursuit of growth may lead to a significant decline in well-being and essential resources by mid-century. Recognizing this fundamental flaw, it's essential to shift our priorities from growth to addressing human and ecological needs directly.
Redefining Prosperity Through a Well-Being Economy
Transitioning to a well-being economy involves redefining the goals of our economic activities to focus on meeting the physical, social, and spiritual needs of people within ecological limits. This model suggests prioritizing well-being and shared prosperity over mere growth, with rich nations needing to reduce their environmental impacts while ensuring equitable distribution of resources. Emerging examples show that countries and cities can adopt alternative policies—such as universal basic income and post-growth frameworks—to promote social and environmental welfare. By changing the narrative from endless growth to 'enough for each,' a more harmonious balance can be achieved.
The Promise of Change and Community
Moving to a post-growth society is framed not as a sacrifice but as an opportunity for enhanced community and purpose. Research demonstrates that collective well-being fosters happiness, suggesting that our innate desire for connection and care for others drives this transformation. The potential benefits of a well-being economy extend beyond mere physical sufficiency to encompass social abundance and spiritual fulfillment. By embracing interdependence and prioritizing mental peace, society can cultivate a lasting prosperity ethically aligned with human and ecological values.
What if solving poverty, caring for nature and fostering well-being were the ultimate goals of the economy, instead of growth for its own sake? Environmentalist and economist Gaya Herrington proposes a shift in thinking from "never enough" to "enough for each," asking us to contemplate whether the end of exponential growth on a finite planet will come by design — or disaster.