What in the World - Degrowth explained: A radical idea for a sustainable future

Download Degrowth explained: A radical idea for a sustainable future

More money, more growth, more stuff. Can our economies keep on growing forever? And should they? A group of activists and academics are questioning the possibility of endless economic growth on a finite planet and are advocating for a bold solution: degrowth.

The movement argues for a 'democratisation of the economy' and for collectively managing key resources, like housing. This, they argue, would also help us to live more sustainably - and help in the fight against climate change. But critics argue that opposing economic growth is impractical and warn of negative consequences, especially for the most vulnerable.

BBC journalist Alvaro Alvarez has been reporting on this. He joins us to explain the pros and cons of the theory. We also hear from Oxford university professor Sam Fankhauser, and a TikToker in New Zealand who’s living her off-grid dream.

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Presenter: William Lee Adams
Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler
Video Journalists: Kesewaa Browne and Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Published on Thursday, 12th June 2025.

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