Intergenerational justice demands that we prioritise the wellbeing and prosperity of future generations, ensuring a safe and thriving planet for those yet to come. However, our current economic system, predicated on growth and consumption, undermines this principle. The imperative for degrowth emerges as a necessary corrective to address the injustices perpetuated by our growth-oriented economy.
The pursuit of growth has led to rampant resource depletion, environmental degradation, and climate change, compromising the very foundations of life on Earth. This trajectory disproportionately burdens future generations, who will inherit a degraded planet and face unprecedented challenges. By prioritising growth over sustainability, we violate the principles of intergenerational justice, sacrificing the future for short-term gains.
Degrowth, in contrast, offers a path towards a more equitable and sustainable future. By
reducing consumption and production, we can:
1. Mitigate climate change and environmental degradation
2. Preserve natural resources for future generations
3. Redistribute wealth and resources more equitably
4. Foster a culture of sufficiency and well-being over materialism
Degrowth is not about regression, but about rebalancing our priorities to align with the wellbeing of people and the planet. It is a call to re-evaluate our values, recognising that growth is not synonymous with progress.
Ultimately, intergenerational justice demands that we rethink our economic paradigm and embrace degrowth as a necessary step towards a more just and sustainable future. By prioritising the wellbeing of all generations, we can build a world that thrives within the limits of our planet.