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On degrowth strategy: The Simpler Way perspective

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  • Ted Trainer

Abstract

The rapidly expanding degrowth literature has focused predominantly on the case for degrowth and its goals and much less attention has been given to how it might be achieved. The following discussion is not concerned to review the current state of the discussion and refers to it only in order to develop a case for a particular approach to degrowth strategy, that is, one deriving from the simpler way perspective on the global predicament. This focuses on the alarming and poorly recognised extent to which global sustainability limits have been exceeded. When this is understood it is clear that extremely radical solutions must be sought. There has to be transition to far simpler lifestyles and systems. This requires abandoning various fundamental structures and taken-for-granted assumptions and ways. Thus it will be argued that numerous degrowth strategies are inappropriate, including attempting to reform existing governmental policies and adopting eco-socialist goals and means. This perspective on the situation has coercive implications for viable strategy. One major implication of the simpler way perspective is that ends and means must be anarchist.

Suggested Citation

  • Ted Trainer, 2024. "On degrowth strategy: The Simpler Way perspective," Environmental Values, , vol. 33(4), pages 394-413, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:envval:v:33:y:2024:i:4:p:394-413
    DOI: 10.1177/09632719231214309
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. D’Alisa, Giacomo & Kallis, Giorgos, 2020. "Degrowth and the State," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    2. Mastini, Riccardo & Kallis, Giorgos & Hickel, Jason, 2021. "A Green New Deal without growth?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    3. Ted Trainer, 2021. "Degrowth: How Much is Needed?," Biophysical Economics and Resource Quality, Springer, vol. 6(2), pages 1-8, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Iana Nesterova, 2024. "Gentleness and care," Environmental Values, , vol. 33(4), pages 357-362, August.

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