Introduction to Handbook on International Development and the Environment: from limits to growth to a transformation for the Anthropocene

In this chapter we review the environmental critique of the international development project from the Stockholm conference to recent debates about ‘degrowth’, and the replacement of the idea of ‘development’ with ‘survival’ and ‘transformation’ in the Anthropocene. We discuss how the environmental critique has been linked to a critique of capitalism and colonialism and indeed of modernity itself. This has led to changes in the understanding of what ‘development’ means and the emergence of a set of ideas that aims to change and adapt the concept of development to the critique. It has also led to changes in the understanding of what ‘nature’ is - from a seemingly infinite resource to a subject of rights. With this chapter, we aim first, to place chapters in the book into the contexts of different aspects of these debates: some address theoretical critiques of development and the environment; others discuss policies and forms of governance to achieve change. Yet, all contributes to central discussions. Second, we aim to contribute to the establishment of new narratives on development. We know that the world cannot bear continued development based on the idea of economic growth. Yet, we are far from being able to provide narratives that at the same time offer promises of better lives and create the basis for legitimate joint action and governance. This book aims to provide some elements in the development of such a narrative.