Book lecture "The case for degrowth" on 19 Feb 2021, 12.00u
Over the last few years, the concept, theory and practices of degrowth have become influential challengers of current economic thought. On 19 February 2021, the Centre for Sustainable Development co-hosts (together with Catapa and Oikos) a lecture by Federico Demaria about the new book The case for degrowth. After the lecture, a debate is planned with amongst others CDO-colleague Irma Emmery, Dirk Holemans (Oikos) and Hanne Cottyn (Catapa).
The event is online and free. Register for tickets here.
Abstract of the book
The relentless pursuit of economic growth is the defining characteristic of contemporary societies. Yet it benefits few and demands monstrous social and ecological sacrifice. Is there a viable alternative? How can we halt the endless quest to grow global production and consumption and instead secure socio-ecological conditions that support lives worth living for all?
In this compelling book, leading experts Giorgos Kallis, Susan Paulson, Giacomo D’Alisa and Federico Demaria make the case for degrowth - living well with less, by living differently, prioritizing wellbeing, equity and sustainability. Drawing on emerging initiatives and enduring traditions around the world, they advance a radical degrowth vision and outline policies to shape work and care, income and investment that avoid exploitative and unsustainable practices. Degrowth, they argue, can be achieved through transformative strategies that allow societies to slow down by design, not disaster.
About the Presenter
Federico Demaria is an assistant professor in ecological economics and political ecology at the University of Barcelona, and associate researcher at the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at Autonomous University of Barcelona. His main research interest lies in understanding the relationship between the environment and the economy. Until recently he was deputy coordinator of the ERC project EnvJustice (led by Prof. Joan Martinez-Alier) which maps and analyses social conflicts between the environment and the economy. He has published numerous academic articles in highly ranked journals, 15 book chapters, as well as edited 5 special issues and 3 successful books (one of which translated into more than 10 languages). His writing has featured in The Guardian, The Ecologist, The Conversation, Open Democracy, eldiario.es (Spain) and Mediapart (France). He is editor for the journal of Sustainability Science and has given talks at the House of Commons, Oxford University, and the European Commission.
Book Lecture Structure
Introduction to the book, author and panelists, followed by a talk by Federico Demaria outlining the need for political implementation and transformation towards a degrowth society. After the talk there will be a panel discussion on some of the themes featured in the book and then the floor will open up to audience questions.