Dr. Pero Mićić
In my conversation with Adam Dorr, Research Director at RethinkX, we shed light on the central question that is shaping many debates on the future of the climate: Do we need degrowth to tackle the climate crisis? Spoiler: No!
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More InformationWhat is this interview about?
- Adam Dorr makes it clear that the idea of degrowth is based on a fundamental error in thinking. Although degrowth advocates correctly identify the environmental challenges, the data clearly shows that poverty exacerbates environmental problems, while prosperity is a prerequisite for successful environmental protection.
- Wealthy societies create genuine ecological improvements where technology and framework conditions allow. The ability of modern technologies to decouple prosperity from environmental pollution is crucial. Advances in solar and wind energy, batteries, autonomous systems and new production methods enable significant reductions in emissions while simultaneously reducing costs and improving quality of life.
- The future does not have to be a scenario of degrowth. It can be characterized by greater efficiency, sustainable prosperity and an energy system that is better, cheaper and cleaner than today. The crucial task is to actively shape this change.
- Dorr emphasizes – and I strongly agree – that fear of the future is a bad advisor. What we need is fact-based, realistic optimism: smart growth instead of degrowth.
- By harnessing the power of exponential technologies, we can create a future of sustainable abundance that is environmentally, economically and socially viable.
