Enough: Thriving Societies Beyond Growth (Belfast)

About the event:

Who is afraid of degrowth? The term alone throws mainstream opinion makers and many economists in Europe into a panic. Growth is the lubricant of capitalism. We are told that if the economy is growing, all is well. But what do we mean by growth? Should everything keep growing endlessly? The ecological crisis shows that infinite growth on a finite planet is impossible. Meanwhile, the current economic system fails to secure livelihoods and exacerbates inequalities. There is an alternative to this self-destructive system: an economy of enough, which would provide for everyone’s basic needs while addressing greed and overconsumption. Europe has the potential to lead the ecological transition – but we need to envision a different economy, rooted in a new paradigm, before we can build it.

In Enough, the authors build on the work of visionaries, both past and present, recognising that Earth is on loan to us from future generations. They explore how societies can thrive without depending on economic growth. The essay presents a compelling vision: fewer private jets, less inequality, fewer burnouts, and reduced waste, alongside more quality of life, more time for each other, more sustainable products, and a healthier planet. In other words, it provides the keys to imagining a different Europe – one that ensures a good life for everyone within the planet’s limits.

At this roundtable, we will discuss some of the key themes and proposals put forward by the book and the post-growth community more broadly. As Europe is once again eyeing austerity and conservative and even far-right forces have captured key levels of government and institutions, what pathways remain for this crucial transition? How can we mobilize societies for such deep and rapid change? What are the key levers and obstacles to translating the environmental science around the limits to growth into concrete action?

Project background:

In early 2024, GEF released Enough: Thriving Societies Beyond Growth. This publication sought to spotlight many of the ideas that the foundation has been exploring on post-growth and a just green and social deal, presenting them in an accessible and inspiring booklet. Now, we are taking it on a tour to spark conversations across the continent on how Europe can reconcile social and ecological justice in a wellbeing project for all.

Programme and speakers

This interactive roundtable will provide plenty of space for audience input, questions, and reactions. They will be accompanied by invited experts:

• Dirk Holemans – Honorary President of the Green European Foundation and author of “Enough: Thriving Societies Beyond Growth”
• Dr. Amanda Slevin – Director of the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action at Queens University Belfast
• Prof. John Barry – Professor of Green Political Economy at Queens University Belfast and co-chair of the Belfast Climate Commission

Practicalities

Date and Time: Monday, December 9th (19:00 – 21:00 GMT)
Location: Peter Frogatt Centre, Room 02/018, Queen’s University Belfast, 7-9 College Park East, Belfast
Language: English
Registration: Please register in advance via this link.

This roundtable is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green Foundation Ireland and QUB’s Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.