Slow down or die. Change of venue BFI Southbank foyer

Timothée Parrique is one of the leading voices in the degrowth movement.
In his recently published book: "Slow down or die" the author challenges the assumption that GDP growth equals progress, arguing that it often masks social and ecological harm.

• GDP measures quantity, not quality—more pollution or illness can still increase GDP.
• Growth can coexist with rising inequality, burnout, and environmental degradation.
• Should well-being, not growth, be the central goal of economic policy?

The Myth of Green Growth
In interviews and writings, Parrique critiques the idea that we can decouple economic growth from environmental impact.

• “Green growth” assumes technological efficiency can outpace resource use but evidence strongly suggests otherwise.
• Circular, inclusive, or regenerative growth are still growth—just rebranded.
• Is it time to abandon growth altogether?

Degrowth as a Positive Vision
Degrowth isn’t about austerity—it’s about designing an economy that prioritizes human and ecological flourishing.

• Emphasizes reduced consumption, shorter workweeks, and stronger communities.
• Advocates for public goods, care work, and local resilience.
• Can degrowth offer a more joyful, meaningful life than consumerism?

Political Economy of Degrowth
Parrique’s work explores how degrowth would reshape institutions, power structures, and global relations.

• Calls for democratic control over production and redistribution of wealth.
• Questions the dominance of market logic in public decision-making.
• What would a degrowth-informed political system look like?

Degrowth in Climate Policy

• Degrowth scenarios are now modeled as viable paths to climate mitigation.

• Reducing energy and material throughput is essential for staying within planetary boundaries.

• Should degrowth be a central pillar of climate strategy?

Degrowth-inspired initiatives are popping up across the globe, each tailored to local contexts but united by a shared vision of sustainability, equity, and well-being beyond GDP:

Spain,
Som Energia is a Spanish renewable energies cooperative that was officially founded in December 2010 in Girona, Catalonia, making it the first of its kind in Spain. The project to create the cooperative was begun in November 2009 by a group of former students and lecturers at University of Girona and other contributors, with the objective of setting up something similar to initiatives such as Ecopower (Belgium) or Enercoop (France).In January 2019, the cooperative had over 54.300 members, had invested over 13 million euro in renewable energy production projects had produced over 11.80 GWh and employed 47 people.

Hungary, "Cargonomia" in Budapest is deeply influenced by Spanish degrowth thinking and practices.

• Combines cargo bike logistics, organic farming, and community education.
• Promotes low-tech, low-impact urban mobility and food distribution.
• Encourages cooperative ownership and local resilience.

Japan – "Degrowth and Minimalism Movements"
Japan’s cultural emphasis on simplicity has dovetailed with degrowth principles.

• The Danshari philosophy (decluttering and minimalism) aligns with anti-consumerist values.
• Community gardens and local food networks are growing in urban areas.
• Degrowth discourse is emerging in academic circles, especially around post-growth economics.

Canada – "Degrowth Collective Toronto"
A grassroots group advocating for post-growth policies and community-based alternatives.

• Hosts workshops, reading groups, and public events to raise awareness.
• Collaborates with climate justice and Indigenous sovereignty movements.
• Promotes housing cooperatives and alternative economic models.

New Zealand – "Degrowth Aotearoa"
This initiative blends degrowth with Indigenous Māori values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship of nature).

• Advocates for decolonizing the economy and centering ecological stewardship.
• Supports regenerative agriculture and community-led resource management.
• Builds bridges between degrowth and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Denmark – "Freetown Christiania Copenhagen"
A long-standing intentional anarchist community that embodies degrowth ideals.

• Operates on collective ownership, self-governance, and ecological living.
• Rejects consumerism and promotes artistic expression and communal responsibility.
• Serves as a living lab for alternative urban development.