Mongabay Newscast Degrowth's benefits in Barcelona are getting noticed across the globe
Mar 4, 2025
Álvaro Álvarez, a journalist and filmmaker known for the BBC film Less Is More: Can Degrowth Save the World?, dives into the thriving degrowth movement in Barcelona. He discusses how middle-class citizens are seeking economic alternatives that align with ecological values. The conversation touches on cooperative housing models, the growing global interest in degrowth, and the importance of addressing social justice alongside climate issues. Álvaro also highlights the need for equitable solutions to avoid green gentrification while changing narratives around wealth and success.
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Growth vs. Planetary Limits
- Degrowth rejects endless GDP growth on a finite planet and prioritizes wellbeing over production.
- It connects growth-driven economies to extractivism and ecological harm.
Barcelona Cooperative Housing Model
- Barcelona housing cooperatives use public land leases and cooperative firms to lower rents and deposits.
- Members govern collectively, reducing speculation and boosting community wellbeing.
La Bruguera Degrowth Lab
- La Bruguera de Púbol is a degrowth lab near Barcelona teaching permaculture and regenerative food.
- It links cooperatives, renewable energy, and hands-on training to shift consumption mindsets.
