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Green Growth vs. Degrowth (Utrecht)
The political agenda of ‘green growth’ is increasingly challenged by advocates of ‘degrowth’. In this seminar, we explore the differences and commonalities between both schools of thought.
About the event
Can our economy continue to grow if we want to respect planetary boundaries and give developing countries room to meet the needs of their inhabitants?
Yes, say proponents of ‘green growth’. To do so, we need strict climate and environmental policies that drive technological innovation and reduce the most polluting forms of consumption. The drive for green growth underpins the European Green Deal.
No, say the advocates of ‘de-growth’. Decoupling economic growth from ecological damage is an illusion. Therefore, rich countries must abandon the growth imperative, scale back overproduction and overconsumption and focus on collective well-being. The degrowth movement is gaining popularity among scientists and activists.
In this seminar, we explore the differences and similarities between ‘green growth’ and ‘degrowth’ with proponents of both schools of thought as well as Green and Labour politicians. What facts and trends do the two movements invoke? What are the underlying visions of society? Is there any overlap between the political agendas?
Project background
This event is part of GEF’s Geopolitics of Post-Growth project, which explores the tensions between degrowth/post-growth and geopolitics. The project aims to ignite a conversation between critics of economic growth and progressive thinkers on foreign and security policy, who now often operate in separate circuits. It aims to find solutions beyond naïve anti-militarism and convenient belief in green growth.
The geopolitical ramifications of (de)growth will be discussed in a follow-up seminar.
Speakers and Programme
14:00 – 14:10 Opening by moderator Suzanne Kröger (MP GroenLinks)
14:10 – 14:20 Presentation by Diederik Samsom (head of cabinet of European Commission VP Frans Timmermans)
14:20 – 14:30 Presentation by Karolien van Teijlingen (social geographer Radboud University Nijmegen)
14:30 – 14:40 Audience Q&A
14:40 – 14:50 Presentation by Wim Naudé (professor technology & innovation management RWTH Aachen University)
14:50 – 15:00 Presentation by Hans Stegeman (chief economist Triodos Bank, columnist)
15:00 – 15:10 Audience Q&A
15:10 – 15:50 Discussion
15:50 – 16:00 Closing words
Practicalities:
Date and Time: Friday 19 May, from 14:00 to 16:00 CEST
Location: De Kargadoor, Oudegracht 36, Utrecht, Netherlands
Language: Dutch
Registration: Participation is free of charge. Registration in advance is required, via this link .
If you have any questions or suggestions, you can contact Richard Wouters – rwouters@groenlinks.nl.
This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.