Degrowth
Topic: Environment and Sustainable Development · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Degrowth is the idea that rich countries should deliberately scale down their production and consumption. Supporters argue that endless GDP growth is pushing the planet past its limits. They say well-being can improve even with less output, if it is shared better. Developing countries object because they still need growth to end poverty.
Example
A degrowth policy in a rich country might include shorter working weeks, fewer flights and less use of throwaway goods. India's view is that its people still need more electricity, housing and income, so it cannot accept such limits on its own growth.
Don't confuse with
- Recession: a recession is an unplanned fall in output that causes job losses and hardship. Degrowth is a planned, chosen reduction aimed at well-being.
- Green growth: green growth keeps growth going but cuts its link with emissions and damage. Degrowth questions growth itself.
Related concepts
- Sustainable development
- Plimsoll line of the economy
- Weak and strong sustainability
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Environmental Kuznets curve
- Pollution haven hypothesis
- Environmental decoupling
- Rebound effect
- Green growth
- Green economy