We need to talk
At its core, beyond growth seeks to address the environmental crises caused by overconsumption and unsustainable production practices. The movement highlights the limits of the planet's resources and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions to combat climate change. By promoting a reduction in material and energy use, beyond growth aims to create a sustainable economy that operates within ecological limits.
Beyond growth also emphasises social equity and justice, recognizing that the current economic system often exacerbates inequalities. By reducing consumption at the top and redistributing resources, beyond growth aims to create a more equitable society where everyone has access to essential goods and services. This approach encourages a shift in focus from individual consumption to collective wellbeing, fostering community engagement and cooperation.
Ultimately, beyond growth envisions a future where societies thrive not through endless growth, but through sustainable practices that enhance quality of life, promote social cohesion, and protect the environment for future generations. This can involve various strategies, such as promoting local economies, encouraging the sharing of resources, and fostering sustainable practices in agriculture, transportation, and energy use. The goal is to create a society that meets the needs of all its members while respecting the planet's ecological boundaries.
Beyond growth also invites a re-examination of societal norms and values, encouraging individuals and communities to reflect on their desires and needs in a world characterised by ecological constraints. It calls for innovative practices such as cooperative living, community-supported agriculture, and a drastic reduction of material an energy use. Ultimately, beyond growth challenges us to rethink our relationship with consumption, urging a collective movement towards a more just, sustainable, and fulfilling way of life that respects the planet's limits and prioritises the wellbeing of all its inhabitants.
Beyond Growth FAQs
What is the climate breakdown?
Regardless all of the knowledge, we are accelerating and aggravating the destruction. We’ve become a relentless, all-consuming force, bulldozing everything in our way. We are gutting the very Earth that keeps us alive — erasing life itself in the name of endless growth.
Source: Our World in Data
Why is it so important to reverse inequality?
The richest 1% of humanity, all millionaires, hold nearly a quarter of global GDP each year. This means that a quarter of all the labor we provide, the resources we extract, and the CO2 we emit serves to make the wealthy even richer! The richest people, corporations and countries are burning the world.
Source: Oxfam’s Climate Equality report
Is there a problem with economic growth ?
There is a problem with overconsumption and material extraction. We need to significantly reduce our consumption of materials and energy.
The good news is that we can enjoy more desirable lives by doing so: feeling more confident, having more time, and experiencing greater happiness and connection to others.
What does beyond growth refer to?
The ingredients for a fulfilling, sufficient life are already here. We only need to shift the focus and dedicate our economies to human wellbeing and planetary flourishing. It’s time to go beyond growth.
Why focusing on wellbeing and prosperity is key?
There is a strong believe that, growth is WHAT has delivered all the wellbeing we know. But scientists and historians are linking this progress to the access to essential services and goods rather than to growth itelf. Actually, past a certain point, more GDP is not necessarily linked to any improving of human welfare.
Source: Social History of medicine
How can I become a beyonder?
A beyonder promotes the idea of beyond growth whenever possible by raising awareness of issues like increasing inequality, climate breakdown, and the need for a slower lifestyle.
Together, we can drive a just transformation and enable a livable future. Become a beyonder!