Debate and Discussions: Degrowth

During the two-hour gathering, participants will be encouraged to engage in lively debates and discussions centered around a selected topic. Unlike a formal debate, these conversations will be unstructured, allowing for a more organic and free-flowing exchange of ideas.

The aim of these discussions is to create a space where participants can openly express their thoughts and opinions in a reasoned and rational manner. Rather than promoting a particular idea of perspective, the goal is to engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue that leads to a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. Diverse opinions on the topics are encouraged!

Main Discussion Topic: Degrowth.

The concept of "degrowth" is garnering attention in academic and policy discussions as an alternative to traditional models of economic development, often defined by continuous growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Proponents of degrowth call for a deliberate reduction in production and consumption to attain social justice, ecological sustainability, and an improved quality of life for all.

This perspective contrasts with the concept of "green growth," which aims to align economic growth with environmentally sustainable practices. In Canada, both major political parties have embraced green growth strategies. For instance, the Liberal party has implemented a carbon tax designed to incentivize businesses to lower their carbon emissions, while the Conservative party promotes government support for the development of green technologies.

Degrowth, in comparison, is often viewed as more radical, requiring fundamental changes to how society operates. This concept seems to question many of the underlying principles of our current economic system.

To learn more about degrowth, you can watch this linked video, which covers general tenets of the concept such as:

1. Ending planned obsolescence
2. Eliminating advertising
3. Shifting from private ownership to usufruct
4. Transitioning agriculture from factory farming to localized permaculture and regenerative agriculture
5. Closing down destructive industries
6. Transitioning from corporate hierarchies to worker collectives
7. Ensuring communities provide for the basic needs of all residents

Let's discuss this intriguing concept further. Below are some discussion starter questions to prompt thoughtful conversation:

1. Is degrowth an unrealistic and idealistic concept that ignores the complexities of modern economies.
2. Does degrowth inherently imply a reduction in living standards, or could it actually lead to an improved quality of life?
3. One of the concerns about degrowth is that it could exacerbate social and economic inequalities
4. How would the transition to a degrowth economy affect employment and job markets? Could it lead to higher unemployment, or might it actually create new types of employment opportunities?
5. What are the potential environmental drawbacks of adopting a degrowth model? Could it inadvertently lead to harmful practices such as increased informality or illicit activities?
6. Does the idea of degrowth put too much emphasis on limiting consumption and production, potentially stifling innovation and technological advancement?
7. Could degrowth be applied universally, or is it a concept more suited for developed countries with higher levels of consumption?
8. How would public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure be affected in a degrowth model? Could these services improve, or would they likely suffer?
9. Does the concept of degrowth offer a detailed and practical roadmap for implementation, or does it lack specificity in how its goals could be achieved?

Location: Memorial Park Library, Meeting Room 2