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Upstream

Better Lives for All w/ Jason Hickel

Aug 27, 2024
In this discussion, Jason Hickel, a professor and author focused on global inequality and degrowth, challenges the myth that poverty is necessary for sustainability. He presents compelling research revealing that only 30% of current global production is needed to meet everyone's basic needs. Jason advocates for a transition from capitalism to eco-socialism, emphasizing human well-being and democratic planning. They also explore the transformative potential of reimagining economic systems to prioritize community, equity, and ecological health.
01:06:03

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Transitioning to an eco-socialist model could allow for decent living standards for all using only 30% of current global production capacity.
  • Focusing on a needs-based assessment of poverty can provide a more accurate framework for resource allocation and improve access to essential services.

Deep dives

The Paradox of Capitalism

Under capitalism, the economy prioritizes the production of highly profitable goods, leading to overproduction of items like fossil fuels and fast fashion, while important necessities like affordable housing and public transit remain underproduced. This creates a paradox where tremendous resources are wasted, yet many individuals still struggle to meet their basic needs. This fundamental inefficiency highlights the need for a reorganization of production to focus on human well-being rather than profit maximization. An eco-socialist approach is proposed as a viable solution to restructure the economy to balance social progress with ecological sustainability.

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