Degrowth's challenge lies in overcoming political and global resistance

Finance ministers meeting after recent hurricanes and flooding highlights the growing tension between economic growth and the urgent need to address the climate crisis.

Larry Elliott reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Rising greenhouse gases are causing more frequent extreme weather events, yet many governments and businesses prioritize economic growth.
• The degrowth movement struggles to gain traction, partly due to entrenched beliefs that growth equates to higher living standards.
• Developing nations reject degrowth as they seek to lift millions out of poverty, contributing to the global climate dilemma.

Key quote:

"Our planet is trying to tell us something. But we don’t seem to be listening."

— António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.

Why this matters:

The tension between economic growth and climate action continues to stall meaningful solutions. If current trends continue, both rich and poor nations will face irreversible climate consequences, including more severe weather events.

Related:

• Degrowth movement challenges traditional views on economic growth
• Degrowth gains traction in response to environmental concerns
• Humanity's future depends on sustainable living and global equality, study finds