Operationalising degrowth to connect planetary boundaries and cities

Cities can be seen as engines of economic growth. Not only by themselves, but also by the vast areas of hinterlands they require and the urban consumerist lifestyle they spread.

But extensive economic growth is one of the key drivers behind humanity crossing planetary boundaries and urban injustice.

The authors of the new article, including Centre researchers Thomas Elmqvist and Erik Andersson, argue that degowth strategies could be helpful to address negative consequences of urban lifestyles: It could reduce production and consumption, help connect people and nature, and include nature in the design of cities.

They conclude:

“Degrowth is often seen as a radical attempt to transform the capitalist economic system—and, indeed, a radical transformation is necessary to remain within the ideal planetary boundaries for humanity to persist and thrive.”