Economics for Rebels

In this episode we discuss the history of how neoclassical economics achieved its hegemonic dominance, and the rise of ecological economics as a coherent alternative to the neoclassical paradigm, which is the main focus of Prof Erickson’s new book The Progress Illusion. We pick up stories along the course of Prof Erickson’s journey from neoclassically-trained environmental economist at Cornell, through discussing the emerging concept of natural capital during the fall of Pinochet in Chile, to running one of the world’s most influential ecological economics academic centres. Edited by Aidan Knox.

Scientists have been warning about the dangers of climate change for decades, but with little success at convincing society to slow the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. Why? What is wrong with the conventional academic’s theory of change, that providing information to key stakeholders will enable more effective climate policymaking? These questions have been central to Dr Charlie Gardner’s career and development, and this conversation tracks his experiences moving from a leading Conservation Scientist in Madagascar working right on the frontier of biodiversity loss, through to being one of the leading figures in Scientist Rebellion. Edited by Aidan Knox.

Time and again neoliberal techno-capitalism has demonstrated an inability to address global challenges such as the climate crisis. Two movements, which have been called Green Anarchy and Eco Socialism, share a similar urgency and critique on the role techno-capitalism and fossil capital are playing in global ecocide, but there are substantial differences between them. Green Anarchists and other “small is beautiful” advocates aspire to empower local communities through mutual aid in a decentralized response to societal and ecological collapse, while those who identify as Eco-Socialists are focused more on harnessing the coercive power of the state for a centralized intervention that will transform society at national and ultimately international scales. Acknowledging that both perspectives have a substantial diversity of views within them, this debate focuses on the essential differences, including scale and tactics to transform society, between the communitarian/anarchist and more centralized socialist approaches. This special edition of Economics for Rebels is a recording of a panel discussion exploring these two potentially opposing points of view, Green anarchism and Eco Socialism organised by Mark McCaffrey, debated by Benjamin Sovacool and Matthew T. Huber and facilitated by Alexandra Köves. The discussion was held online live to an audience. Edited by Aidan Knox.

Economies organised around growth experience terrible welfare outcomes when growth rates decline, leading postgrowth economics to study mechanisms for mitigating these impacts. Two of the biggest challenges to postgrowth economics are debt and inequality, both of which are conventionally addressed through economic growth. So how can we study these questions empirically, given economies have consistently been growing since the industrial revolution? Today’s interviewee is Dr Tilman Hartley, an ecological economist and economic historian whose work has explored how pre-industrial, low- or no-growth societies dealt with these major economic challenges. Whilst today’s growth-oriented societies seem inevitable now, we often forget that the majority of human civilisations throughout history experienced almost no economic growth – so there’s rich data out there, if you know where to look. Edited by Aidan Knox

Alexandra Köves reveals how effectively communicating ecological economics can influence public opinion and policy. She highlights that people's visions for the future often align with sustainable societies. Positive narratives, such as living within ecological limits and fostering cooperation, can resonate deeply. Political dynamics in Hungary present unique challenges for ecological policies, but there's potential to cultivate public demand for change. Ultimately, Köves argues that we may all hold a hidden ecological economist within us, ready to envision a just future.

Staying within planetary boundaries means that our consumption patterns must change. This is ever so true when it comes to environmentally highly detrimental activities such as flying. But today’s reasoning goes that if we reduce flying, not only do we give up on enjoyable pursuits as consumers, but we also jeopardise the livelihood of those working in the industry. The work that destroys the environment for the sake of short-term profit is often called a “batshit job”. How can we transform these industries for the sake of ecological sustainability while providing a just transition for those employed in them? Today’s guests are Halliki Kreinin and Tahir Latif and we talk about necessary changes in labour and the just transition to a more sustainable society using the aviation industry as an example. This topic also appears in a book called Degrowth & Strategy: how to bring about social-ecological transformation coming out in June 2022. If you are interested in the book, please check out this website: https://www.degrowthstrategy.org/

Ecological economics is about socio-ecological transformation. Once we realise that current institutions, norms, and narratives must change, the overarching question remains: how can we change them? Erik Olin Wright was an American sociologist whose work on transforming into post-capitalist societies have impacted many who deal with transcending the mainstream framework. Today’s guest, Ekaterina Chertkovskaya builds on Wright’s ideas when drawing up what she calls a “strategic canvas for Degrowth”. In this episode, we will explore this canvas that appears in a book called Degrowth & Strategy: how to bring about social-ecological transformation coming out in June 2022. If you are interested in the book, please check out this website: https://www.degrowthstrategy.org/

No doubt that ecological economics is about inducing radical change in the world. While that is almost never up for debate in these circles, just how radical is radical remains to be a highly divisive issue. Environmentalist movements had been seen in the past rather peaceful and being rebellious as an ecological economist is more about strongly attacking the current order. In theory. But can profound change really happen without blowing up a pipeline? Today’s guest, Andreas Malm argues that it cannot. Andreas is a climate activist, author, and associate professor of human ecology at Lund University, Sweden. In his work he often argues that those with vested interests in the current world order will not just turn green out of kindness of the heart. Movements that induced radical change in power structures in the past such as feminism or the anti-apartheid rebels only achieved their aims when they turned away from just symbolic moves. In his latest book, How to blow up a pipeline: Learning to fight in a world on fire he argues that ecological movements remain unsuccessful as they only consider peaceful means to achieve radical change.

Many believe that wanting the best for both the environment and humans just makes sense. However, when we introduce ecological economics concepts of providing good life for all within planetary boundaries, the most vicious problem that we face is to do with power structures. This episode’s guest, Bengi Akbulut has been arguing that our current understanding of development is detrimental to real change and development is most often just a way to maintain the power structures. Can we change this? Can we pluralise development? Or should we just abandon the concept?

Ecological economists all over the world attempt to find the right paths to transcend our currently unsustainable and unjust economic practices. Some are more radical in their proposed measures than others. Today’s guest, Anitra Nelson argues that „monetary values and activities are the key stumbling block to us achieving socio-political and economic justice and sustainability on Earth”. Hence, she proposes to do away with money altogether.