Degrowth - KU Workshop

In the GSC thematic solution ‘Degrowth’, we explore how an equitable downscaling of resource and energy use can bring us back into balance with nature, while also improving human well-being, starting with the most vulnerable among us.

It is obvious that we need alternatives for how human groups organize economies, communities, and societies. In the context of especially affluent countries, the degrowth movement of scholar/activists has come forth over decades to support socio-economic transformation that promotes environmental and ecological justice and a good life for all: humans and other species. Degrowth stands in sharp contrast to economic recession, which is a consequence of growth-addicted economies that fail to structurally address social and ecological goals when in crisis. Degrowth requires thoughtfully planned and substantial, i) redistribution of existing resources, ii) reduction in material and energy throughput, and iii) a shift in priorities toward care, sufficiency, solidarity, and autonomy. This Thematic Solution spans all 6 faculties of UCPH and explores – among other – decarbonization, the role of technologies and law, decolonization, and expanded democratic practices as paths to degrowth.

For this ideation workshop, we invite all degrowth-interested researchers at KU to help expand and evolve this thematic solution. Participants are asked to arrive with ideas on two questions: 

1) What activities could this Thematic Solution provide?, and, 2) How might you contribute?   

We assume participants also arrive informed about the understandings of degrowth that underpin this Thematic Solution, as we will not have time to both provide a thorough introduction and address misconceptions, as well as collaboratively plan our future steps. We prefer to focus with you on the latter! Use this link for a 1-pager for a degrowth primer.

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