A group of academics and activists are questioning the possibility of endless economic growth on a finite planet and are advocating a bold solution: degrowth.

Originating in France, the degrowth movement has spread to places like Japan, the UK and Barcelona, taking root in academia, grassroots organisations and among university students.

The movement argues for a ‘democratisation of the economy’ and for collectively managing key resources, like housing.

Critics argue that opposing economic growth is impractical and warn of negative consequences, especially for the most vulnerable.

We take a look at the theory – and ask what the practice might look like.

00:00 Intro
02:32 The Barcelona School of Ecological economics: the roots of degrowth
05:39 Is GDP a good measure of our economies?
06:45 Could the economy be more democratic?
08:07 A net-zero housing cooperative
10:16 What can grow, and what needs to degrow?
12:31 Could green growth be a solution?
13:29 Degrowth and social justice
17:18 Challenging degrowth

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