degrowth

Degrowth is a political, economic, and social movement that advocates the deliberate downscaling of production and consumption to reduce environmental impacts and improve well-being. Proponents argue that ecological crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion are linked to the growth paradigm, and that prosperity should be redefined beyond GDP to emphasize health, equality, and resilience. Degrowth is not simply recession; it emphasizes voluntary, democratic planning to reduce material throughput while ensuring social protection and basic needs.

Origins and terminology: the concept critiques GDP as a sole measure of progress and draws on ecological economics and post-growth discourse. It gained visibility in Europe and elsewhere in the early 2000s, with influential scholars such as Serge Latouche, Giorgos Kallis, and Federico Demaria contributing to its articulation and debates.

Core ideas and policy tools: central themes include sufficiency over maximal throughput, relocalization of production, and de-commodification of essential services. Policy tools often cited include shorter work weeks, progressive taxation, universal basic services, investment in public goods, and regulations that limit advertising and conspicuous consumption. Complementary approaches emphasize alternative indicators, such as ecological footprints and well-being metrics, alongside planning for reduced material and energy demand.

Implementation and critique: supporters point to just transitions, social equity, and local experimentation as pathways to sustainable living, while critics question feasibility, political viability, and potential risks to vulnerable populations during transitions. The empirical record comprises local pilots, community initiatives, and comparative studies assessing ecological outcomes, social welfare, and economic resilience.

See also: steady-state economy, post-growth, ecological economics, well-being economics.