January 31, 2023

Reimagine Sustainability Logo

Can The Tragedy Of The Commons Be Solved With Economic Degrowth?

Change is inevitable. What should we do when a number of people cling to a system that is harmful but the norm? Economic degrowth is mocked by the corporate world and governments. Although it seems irrational to continue an economic system that is based on exploitation and destruction, there is little openness to rethink our global economies. Does a remedy exist? Imagine what a future that favours prosperity and sustainable development could look like. I have difficulty imagining a sustainable global economy. Let me introduce you to degrowth and the tragedy of the commons. Two concepts not paired before!
Written by Veronika Tietz

How often have you heard that economic degrowth is too complex, too complicated or too expensive? 

Degrowth – part of sustainable development – is not an economic recession or a sober plan to return to the dark ages. Today, I want to show you that degrowth is not a step backwards, but a better way forward. Degrowth – part of sustainable development – is not an economic recession or a sober plan to return to the dark ages.

Part of the idea of degrowth is that the needs of current generations are met without diminishing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Furthermore, degrowth acts as a measuring scale to create a balance between economic activities and environmental stability.

One aspect of economic sustainable development is often overlooked. It is the damage caused by historic abuse. What it means is the social and environmental damage caused in the past which is a crucial part of how we function as societies nowadays. As with carbon emissions, past, current and future regeneration need to be taken into account to achieve holistic sustainability. 

Let’s have a look at what needs to change.

Why our economies and societies need to change

For a big number of reasons, societies all over the world are urged for economic as well as societal change – in particular in affluent nations. 

The prevalent societal systems support unsustainable, exploitative and damaging behaviour which, unfortunately, is the norm. Examplaratory, the term ‘throwaway culture’ is linked to a concept that only exists in the human world: waste.

Degrowth For People And Planet

The well-being of planet and people is important

 

Waste does not occur in the natural world. Over billions of years, the natural environment developed ecosystems where waste products recirculate into the system. Consequently, it enables nature to develop prosperous and diverse life systems.

Nothing is left behind. Everything has its purpose. 

UNsustainable systems make life harder for us – Is degrowth the answer?

In the modern world, single-use and limited-lifetime items are the norm and discarded after their usefulness has been exhausted. Surely, at first glance, they seem convenient and cheap, but the real price will be paid in the future.

Numerous problems come with this type of system where waste generation is “normal”. 

Waste takes on different forms such as plastic waste, food waste, clothes waste, energy waste, water waste, chemical waste, medical waste and many others. Even carbon is a waste product because there is more in the atmosphere than can be naturally captured.

Related:

The Rs Of Sustainability: The Most Effective Way To Apply Them

The current economic model is fueling waste generation from which many industries profit. Unfortunately, we can not afford this type of system any longer. As you see, UNsustainability is the norm in almost every corner where people have a finger in the pie.

There are many more faulty systems created by humans. Waste is one of the easier to understand and valuable to visualise the underlying issues.

Economic degrowth is more needed than globally admit

Our economic systems reward people who exploit others and the environment. I do not know many people who are happy at their job. Most work to meet needs ends.

While most people live below the poverty level, others enjoy luxury lifestyles at the expense of others’ hard work or oppression.

In 1833, the British writer William Forster Lloyd framed the tragedy of the commons. The tragedy of the commons refers to the challenge of human self-interest in regard to publicly accessible resources which can easily be exploited. This TedEd Video explains the economic theory brilliantly:

What is the tragedy of the commons? – Nicholas Amendolare

Many people lack education and access to information because they live in regions where resources are scarce. Not only this, those regions are targeted by corporations that seek out places, where labour costs are low and environmental regulations are not strict enough.

It is not only about a lack of educational resources, communities are knowingly prevented from meeting their own needs. Those needs are usually pretty simple like affordable housing and food. 

We might think that poor people can learn from us. How to find an apartment or how to find a job. But the issues are in most cases systemic problems where ‘simple’ endeavours are specifically difficult for certain groups of people.

We see development as progress, but it cannot be progress when it becomes harder and harder to lead a simple life. 

There is enough money, but there are not enough resources to support a westernised lifestyle. Degrowth is an opportunity to create lifestyles that are good for societies and natural well-being – in accordance with natural and cultural laws.

What does it have to do with you?

There are two simple questions I want to ask you:

 

  1. What are your strengths?*
  2. How do you want to create a future worth looking forward to?

 

*If you are unsure about your strengths, I recommend you take this free test from the VIA Character Strengths Survey. It helps me a lot to adjust my goals according to my strengths. (I’m not benefiting monetarily from this link. I simply share this resource with you because it helped me a lot in many regards.) –> Let us know your answers in the comment section below!

The reason why I do not want to tell you what to do about the above-listed issues is that a one-size-fits-all solution does not work. Degrowth is a concept about reflecting how we want to act as societies on the only planet that enables our existence.

This is our moment to reimagine our future and create one we can look forward to.

Related:

A Sustainable 2023 Starts With You! Create A Future To Look Forward To

Sharing is Caring

Sustainable Energy Living: Saving The Planet One Switch At A Time

It is not easy for citizens to live environmentally friendly and socially responsible because unsustainability is the norm in urban areas. Inefficient transport systems, massive amounts of waste, irresponsible use of energy and poor land and building management are only a few obstacles that put a heavy burden on the environment and societies. There are many ways to live more environmentally friendly. This article is devoted to your energy habits and consumption. Saving the planet one switch at a time is not complicated, but a must. Let me guide you through the possibilities to become an eco-conscious citizen.

Why We Need To Understand The Planetary Boundaries

We know all about speed limits, alcohol limits, calorie limits, age limits and so on. Those are limits we have to take individual action on because we are responsible for ourselves. The planetary limits, known as the planetary boundaries, is a collective responsibility of all of us. The planetary boundaries define the environmental limits within which humans can safely exist, develop and thrive. Pushing the Earth’s systems is putting our livelihoods at risk. Therefore, our responsibility is to know our Earth’s limits and operate in ways which lead to prosperity.

Right Here Right Now: Add This Inspiring Book To Your Sustainability Book List

In this day and age, we need influential and meaningful calls to action. With her second book ‘Right Here Right Now’, Natalie Isaacs shares her and the wisdom of other women in fighting the climate crisis. She is the founder of the global climate action movement 1 Million Women. By introducing you to her book, I hope that it will be as inspiring to you as it was to me. Even better, I attended her book launch event in Brisbane. Hence, I want to share my impressions with you. So, let’s find your potential to lead the way to solve our societal challenges.

7 Powerful Ways To Focus On What Is In Your Control

We feel good when we can freely spend our time on what matters most. Understandably, we get frustrated if we are not in control of our precious time. Control is a relevant topic and refers to control over others and control of yourself. The latter is a competency that contributes to your mental and physical health. Unfortunately, we don’t have much control over our lives as we have to stick to working schedules, household chores and other obligations. Acknowledging what is outside of our control and not letting it consume us is an essential step to gaining sovereignty.

Green Pressure: The Global Sustainability Trends To Follow In 2022

Trends come and go. But Sustainability trends will have a lasting impact on our societies and the planet. Finding new ways of meeting basic human needs is a prevalent red thread. Citizens become increasingly more aware of bad practices which result in pollution, global warming, biodiversity loss, social injustice etc. Governments as well as industries are experiencing waves of pressure from citizens who are fed up with bad leadership. We all have our contributions to make and luckily, a lot of awesome global citizens have figured out different solutions to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges. The following Sustainability trends will give you an idea in which direction we are heading. You’re more than welcome to join us!

Repurposing Urban Spaces To Finally Make Them Liveable And Enjoyable

Over half of the world’s human population lives in cities. It’s expected that by 2050 68% of people will live in urban areas. Urban spaces matter tremendously in the light of sustainable development. There are many challenges to make cities more sustainable, but in this article I want to focus on the opportunities. I discovered that designing urban spaces to be more sustainable can be a very fun experience. Repurposing spaces fuelled my imagination. Therefore, instead of only one example you will get two which show how easy it is to make an underutilised space more livable and enjoyable.

Make A Meaningful Impact: Alyona From Dobrosphera

Make A Meaningful Impact is an interview series about people – like you and me – who make a difference in our world. All of us are deeply concerned with the state of the world, but we cannot solve the world’s challenges ourselves. Therefore, I created the series Make A Meaningful Impact, where I invite different people to an interview to show us what they do to make our extraordinary world a livable and enjoyable home. They found their journey and role in contributing to a better future – a future to look forward to.

Breaking Boundaries: Reimagining Sustainability For A Thriving Future

Discover the wisdom of nature: resilience in the face of challenges, interconnectedness that binds us all, efficient resource utilisation, adaptability to thrive, and regeneration for a sustainable future. Let nature’s lessons inspire you. You can reimagine a future that draws from the timeless wisdom of nature, forging a path towards sustainable transformation. Unlock your transformative power of nature’s wisdom and embark on a journey towards a thriving and resilient planet. That is all we need: a planet that has the capability to regenerate itself and the ability to flourish in difficult situations. It is that simple.

How An Improved Definition Of Sustainability Will Actually Save The World

Sustainability is minimised to dealing responsibly with our resources for our and our future generations (plants, animals and resources included). It is more than simply ticking the boxes. It’s about finding the right balance between social, environmental and economic Sustainability. The latter is not even crucial for our existence, but we give most of our attention to economic development. More importantly, we need to switch the focus on ecological and human health and vitality. Profit can only exist with people and the planet. So let’s change our understanding of Sustainability to create a world that suits us all and not an economic model.

Embrace New Beginnings: The Power of Starting Over

Starting over on a sustainability journey is crucial for growth and progress. It grants you a fresh perspective, enabling you to challenge old habits, embrace innovative ideas, and reevaluate your practices. By adapting to the ever-evolving field of sustainability, you stay current with advancements and maintain relevance. Starting over allows you to course-correct, learn from past mistakes, and refine your strategies for significant impact. It reignites your passion, reminding you of the significance of sustainability and rekindling your motivation to create positive change. Embracing a new beginning inspires others to join you, fostering a collective effort towards a more sustainable future.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This