Growth isn't possible
Par W. Nepigo le mardi 26 janvier 2010, 10:52 - Lien permanent
Here is a simple, efficient and straightforward cartoon to illustrate the
latest report by the New Economics Foundation, "Growth isn't
possible". It is an exploration of the intuitive, and simple too, idea that
infinite exponential growth in a finite environment is just not possible, as
exemplify the two quotes introducing the report:
"If you spend your time thinking that the most important objective of public policy is to get growth up from 1.9 per cent to 2 per cent and even better 2.1 per cent we’re pursuing a sort of false god there. We’re pursuing it first of all because if we accept that, we will do things to the climate that will be harmful, but also because all the evidence shows that beyond the sort of standard of living which Britain has now achieved, extra growth does not automatically translate into human welfare and happiness."
Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the UK Financial Services Authority "
"Anyone who believes exponential growth can go on forever in a finite world is either a madman or an economist."
Kenneth E. Boulding, Economist and co-founder of General Systems Theory
Of course, although simple, this idea supposes an ability to project oneself at a global level and think about humanity and solidarity in abstract terms. But day-to-day reality is also made of keeping up with the Jones, so what if the Jones buy this new car, house, land? It's silly to say but this simple example also shows there won't be any change possible without a spiritual and cultural change, in other words a change that goes beyond political and planning abilities... Or?
"If you spend your time thinking that the most important objective of public policy is to get growth up from 1.9 per cent to 2 per cent and even better 2.1 per cent we’re pursuing a sort of false god there. We’re pursuing it first of all because if we accept that, we will do things to the climate that will be harmful, but also because all the evidence shows that beyond the sort of standard of living which Britain has now achieved, extra growth does not automatically translate into human welfare and happiness."
Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the UK Financial Services Authority "
"Anyone who believes exponential growth can go on forever in a finite world is either a madman or an economist."
Kenneth E. Boulding, Economist and co-founder of General Systems Theory
Of course, although simple, this idea supposes an ability to project oneself at a global level and think about humanity and solidarity in abstract terms. But day-to-day reality is also made of keeping up with the Jones, so what if the Jones buy this new car, house, land? It's silly to say but this simple example also shows there won't be any change possible without a spiritual and cultural change, in other words a change that goes beyond political and planning abilities... Or?
