Enough: Thriving Societies Beyond Growth (Edinburgh / online)

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. Countries in the Global North have the potential and indeed the responsibility to lead this 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 book launch event, we will dive deeper into what this means in practice. What is the most helpful way of conceptualising a move beyond growth? How do ongoing initiatives, like the Wellbeing Economy, work towards meeting these objectives? What more can we do, both within and outside of political institutions? What role is there for transnational exchange and experimentation, in Scotland as well as the EU? And what do our current legislative configurations enable and prevent us from doing?

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.

Speakers

• Dirk Holemans – Honorary President of the Green European Foundation and author of “Enough: Thriving Societies Beyond Growth”
• Shona McIntosh – Scottish Greens Councillor for Musselburgh, East Lothian Council
• More to be announced!

Moderated by Gabriel Sanson Gomez – Degrowth researcher at Generation Climate Europe, Scottish Young Greens

Practicalities

Date and Time: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 (18:15 – 20:00 GMT)
Location: St Ninians Room, Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138-140 Pleasance, Edinburgh
Language: English
Registration: Please register via this link. This is a hybrid event, so you can also join us online via Zoom. However, you must register in advance to receive the meeting link.

This book launch is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Scottish Young Greens and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.