Peter Victor

Herman Daly, a pioneering ecological economist, argues against endless economic growth and advocates for a sustainable, steady-state economy. Joined by Peter Victor, his biographer, and his sister Denis Lynn Daly Heyck, they discuss the dangers of neoliberal policies and the necessity of innovative economic approaches. They share personal anecdotes about resilience and the importance of limiting resource consumption. The conversation honors Daly's legacy while contemplating how his ideas can address today’s ecological and societal challenges.

In this enlightening conversation, Peter Victor, Professor Emeritus at York University and an expert in ecological economics, unpacks Herman Daly's revolutionary ideas. He critiques GDP as a flawed measure of success and argues for alternatives that prioritize sustainability and well-being. Victor challenges the notion that technology alone can resolve environmental crises, advocating for richer metrics like ecological footprints. He discusses how cities must manage resources within planetary boundaries and envisions post-growth societies where consumption patterns shift for better equity.