Slow Down

1. Capitalism's pursuit of growth is destroying the planet

The environmental crisis will also continue to worsen. As a result, the justification for the continuation of the capitalist system will be undercut, and resistance movements opposing that system will gain strength and magnitude.

Ecological imperialism. The pursuit of unlimited economic growth under capitalism has led to the exploitation of both human labor and natural resources. This system operates by externalizing its costs onto the periphery, particularly the Global South, creating an "Imperial Mode of Living" for those in developed countries. As the planet reaches its ecological limits, the contradictions of this system are becoming increasingly apparent.

Anthropocene crisis. We have entered a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene, where human economic activity has fundamentally altered the Earth's systems. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion are all symptoms of this larger crisis. The current system's inability to address these issues is leading to a growing recognition that radical change is necessary.

Key problems:

• Rising greenhouse gas emissions
• Deforestation and habitat destruction
• Widening inequality between Global North and South
• Overconsumption and waste in developed countries

2. Green economic growth is an unsustainable myth

Decoupling is a "myth" and criticizes the arguments of those promoting green economic growth as "totally unconvincing."

The decoupling illusion. Many proponents of green capitalism argue that economic growth can be decoupled from environmental degradation through technological innovation and efficiency improvements. However, this idea has been thoroughly debunked. Absolute decoupling, where economic growth continues while environmental impacts decrease, has not been achieved on a global scale and is likely impossible within the timeframe needed to address climate change.

Jevons Paradox. Increased efficiency often leads to increased consumption, negating any potential environmental benefits. For example, more fuel-efficient cars may lead to people driving more, or energy-efficient appliances may result in people using them more frequently. This rebound effect demonstrates the limitations of relying on technological solutions alone to address environmental problems.

Examples of failed green growth strategies:

• Electric cars (materials extraction, energy source issues)
• Biofuels (land use changes, food security concerns)
• Carbon offsets (often ineffective or counterproductive)

3. Degrowth is necessary to combat climate change

We must break away from an economy based on locking technologies that pave the way for dominion over workers and consumers—economies prioritizing profit over all else—and transition to an economy that prioritizes the production of use-value instead.

Redefining prosperity. Degrowth challenges the assumption that economic growth is necessary for human well-being. Instead, it proposes a planned reduction in resource and energy use to bring the economy back within ecological limits. This doesn't mean a reduction in quality of life, but rather a shift in focus towards what truly matters for human flourishing.

Addressing overconsumption. Degrowth strategies target the excessive consumption patterns in developed countries, which are responsible for the majority of global environmental impacts. This involves rethinking our relationship with material goods, promoting sharing and reuse, and prioritizing local production and consumption.

Key degrowth strategies:

• Reducing working hours
• Implementing universal basic services
• Promoting cooperative ownership models
• Localizing production and consumption
• Limiting advertising and planned obsolescence

4. Marx's late-life insights point to degrowth communism

Marx's ultimate goal was not simply finding a road to historical development for non-Western societies like Russia. Indeed, we might even see the development of a multilinear path for historical development as a mere by-product of the true shift in his thinking. Marx's focus was always on constructing a future Western European society.

Evolving theory. Contrary to popular belief, Marx's ideas evolved significantly throughout his life. In his later years, he moved away from a unilinear, productivist view of history and became more interested in non-Western, communal forms of social organization. This shift led him to envision a form of communism that was more aligned with ecological sustainability and degrowth principles.

Metabolic rift. Marx's concept of the "metabolic rift" between human society and nature provides a powerful framework for understanding our current ecological crisis. He argued that capitalism disrupts the natural cycles of resource regeneration, leading to environmental degradation. This insight is crucial for developing a more sustainable economic system.

Key aspects of Marx's late thought:

• Critique of linear progress narratives
• Interest in communal forms of organization
• Recognition of ecological limits
• Vision of a post-scarcity society

5. Transitioning to a use-value based economy is crucial

Communism would thus introduce a major shift in the purpose of production. Production would no longer be organized around creating value but rather around producing use-value as determined through social planning.

Reorienting production. A key aspect of degrowth communism is shifting from an economy focused on exchange value (profit) to one centered on use value (actual utility). This means prioritizing the production of goods and services that meet real human needs and contribute to social well-being, rather than those that simply generate the most profit.

Democratic planning. Determining what to produce and how much should be a democratic process involving workers and communities. This contrasts sharply with the current system where production decisions are made by a small elite based on profit considerations. Participatory planning can ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and equitably.

Benefits of a use-value based economy:

• Reduced waste and overproduction
• Focus on essential goods and services
• Improved quality and durability of products
• Greater worker and community control

6. Shortening work hours and democratizing production are key

Workers would make decisions about production democratically. It doesn't matter that this kind of decision-making process will take more time.

Work-time reduction. Reducing working hours is a central strategy for degrowth. This not only improves quality of life and reduces stress but also helps to distribute available work more evenly, addressing unemployment. Shorter work weeks can lead to reduced consumption and environmental impact while increasing time for community engagement and personal development.

Workplace democracy. Democratizing the workplace through worker cooperatives and other forms of collective ownership is essential for creating a more just and sustainable economy. When workers have a say in production decisions, they are more likely to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profits.

Potential impacts:

• Improved work-life balance
• Reduced unemployment and underemployment
• Increased civic participation
• More sustainable business practices

7. Restoring the commons can create radical abundance

We must create a new society based on abundance. The way out is the degrowth communism envisioned by Marx.

Reclaiming shared resources. The concept of the commons – resources managed collectively by a community – is central to degrowth communism. This involves reclaiming essential resources and services from private ownership and market logic, making them freely accessible to all. Examples include public spaces, knowledge, and basic utilities.

Abundance through sharing. Paradoxically, degrowth can lead to a form of abundance by prioritizing sharing and collective use over individual ownership. This challenges the artificial scarcity created by capitalism and allows for a higher quality of life with lower resource use.

Areas for commons restoration:

• Public spaces and parks
• Knowledge and information (open-source)
• Energy production and distribution
• Water systems
• Public transportation

8. Climate justice requires learning from the Global South

Late in life, Marx criticized England's colonial rule in Ireland and urged British workers to act in solidarity with the oppressed Irish people. As Marx put it, "the lever must be applied in Ireland"—that is, British workers will never be liberated if the Irish people aren't freed from their oppression.

Global solidarity. Addressing climate change requires recognizing the disproportionate impacts on the Global South and the historical responsibility of developed nations. This means not only reducing emissions in the Global North but also supporting climate adaptation and sustainable development in the South.

Indigenous wisdom. Many solutions to our current crisis can be found in the sustainable practices and worldviews of Indigenous and traditional communities. Learning from and supporting these communities is crucial for developing truly sustainable alternatives to the current system.

Key climate justice principles:

• Historical responsibility
• Common but differentiated responsibilities
• Equitable access to sustainable development
• Protection of vulnerable communities

9. Social movements and municipalism offer hope for change

Movements arising out of labor hold the power to eventually transform even the realm of politics.

Grassroots power. Social movements, particularly those centered around labor and environmental issues, have the potential to drive significant change. These movements can pressure governments and corporations while also building alternative institutions and practices from the ground up.

Municipal revolution. Cities and local governments are emerging as important sites of resistance and innovation. Municipalist movements, like those in Barcelona, are demonstrating how local democracy can be deepened and used to implement progressive policies on issues like housing, energy, and climate action.

Promising developments:

• Rise of climate justice movements
• Spread of workers' cooperatives
• Growth of solidarity economy initiatives
• Emergence of "Fearless Cities" network

Last updated: September 1, 2024