Better Future with Michael Mezz 003 - Jason Hickel on Post-Capitalism, Degrowth, and Why Capitalism Can’t Solve Climate Change
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Jul 31, 2025 
Join Jason Hickel, a professor and ecological economics expert, as he dives into the failures of capitalism amid the climate crisis. He explores the disconnection between GDP and quality of life, critiquing profit-driven systems that neglect essential services. Hickel advocates for democratic eco-socialism and public investment in renewable technologies to combat climate change. He also examines the links between capitalism, militarism, and global struggles, highlighting the need for a transformative approach rooted in equality and sustainability.
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Climate Fix Exists — Finance Is The Barrier
- We already have the technologies to solve the climate crisis but private capital won't invest because it's not profitable enough.
- Public finance is required to mobilize rapid decarbonization at scale.
GDP Hides What People Actually Need
- GDP measures total output, not wellbeing, so high GDP can coexist with mass deprivation.
- Democratic control over production is needed to align outputs with human needs.
Profit Trumps Necessity In Production
- Capital decides production based on profitability, producing luxury and waste while undersupplying essentials.
- This misallocation explains shortages in housing, healthcare, and public goods despite wealth.
