Economics for Rebels

Ecological economics is about socio-ecological transformation. Once we realise that current institutions, norms, and narratives must change, the overarching question remains: how can we change them? Erik Olin Wright was an American sociologist whose work on transforming into post-capitalist societies have impacted many who deal with transcending the mainstream framework. Today’s guest, Ekaterina Chertkovskaya builds on Wright’s ideas when drawing up what she calls a “strategic canvas for Degrowth”. In this episode, we will explore this canvas that appears in a book called Degrowth & Strategy: how to bring about social-ecological transformation coming out in June 2022. If you are interested in the book, please check out this website: https://www.degrowthstrategy.org/

No doubt that ecological economics is about inducing radical change in the world. While that is almost never up for debate in these circles, just how radical is radical remains to be a highly divisive issue. Environmentalist movements had been seen in the past rather peaceful and being rebellious as an ecological economist is more about strongly attacking the current order. In theory. But can profound change really happen without blowing up a pipeline? Today’s guest, Andreas Malm argues that it cannot. Andreas is a climate activist, author, and associate professor of human ecology at Lund University, Sweden. In his work he often argues that those with vested interests in the current world order will not just turn green out of kindness of the heart. Movements that induced radical change in power structures in the past such as feminism or the anti-apartheid rebels only achieved their aims when they turned away from just symbolic moves. In his latest book, How to blow up a pipeline: Learning to fight in a world on fire he argues that ecological movements remain unsuccessful as they only consider peaceful means to achieve radical change.

Many believe that wanting the best for both the environment and humans just makes sense. However, when we introduce ecological economics concepts of providing good life for all within planetary boundaries, the most vicious problem that we face is to do with power structures. This episode’s guest, Bengi Akbulut has been arguing that our current understanding of development is detrimental to real change and development is most often just a way to maintain the power structures. Can we change this? Can we pluralise development? Or should we just abandon the concept?

Ecological economists all over the world attempt to find the right paths to transcend our currently unsustainable and unjust economic practices. Some are more radical in their proposed measures than others. Today’s guest, Anitra Nelson argues that „monetary values and activities are the key stumbling block to us achieving socio-political and economic justice and sustainability on Earth”. Hence, she proposes to do away with money altogether.

Jason Hickel, advocate for Degrowth, discusses the solutions proposed by Degrowth to achieve sustainability and equality. Topics include challenging the effectiveness of capitalism in poverty reduction, addressing inequalities in energy and resource use, tools for closing the inequality gap, and the colonial dimensions of the ecological crisis.

In a world where we acknowledge ecological boundaries, consumption patterns must change. Many ecological economists would argue that not only the way we consume but the way we work must also change. Leaving behind the overriding aim of economic growth at all costs means that work needs not only to be perceived differently but also distributed differently. A common suggestion that occurs in these discussions is the necessary reduction of working hours. Stefanie Gerold explains us why.

More and more of the rich and famous are taking up climate activism and try to convince the world that we all need to act now. But what is their message? Ecological economics is about realising that business-as-usual no longer works. Instead of techno-optimism, we need real system change. But what exactly are climate elites saying? What is the role of philanthropy in climate politics? And how does this all feed into sustainability transitions? Do they help our cause or just defer fundamental change? Today’s guest, Edouard Morena helps us figure this all out.

A common argument in favour of capitalism is that the world has seen unprecedented rise in living standards in the past 200 years: no more dangerous jobs, better access to education and health services, significant drops in the prices of basic provision, higher life expectancy, less famine. So, can we also argue that all this is worth it even at the expense of environmental degradation? Doughnut economics is about finding the right balance: the safe and just space where human societies can operate on local and global levels. Today’s guest, Andrew Fanning with his co-researchers has studied how nations are doing in striking this balance. See the results for all countries over time: https://goodlife.leeds.ac.uk You can also access the article using this link: https://rdcu.be/cBzvG

To stay within planetary boundaries, our consumption patterns must change. Could a provocative term like sustainable hedonism help us transform ourselves and our economic realities  towards ecological sustainability while still insisting that we can live a good life? Today’s guest, Orsolya Lelkes certainly believes so.

Since the establishment of agricultural societies, humans have turned themselves into a super-organism that is now jeopardising not only its own existence but also the survival of many other species. Our capacity to organise ourselves, to divide labour, to even sacrifice individual gains for the benefits of humanity has trapped us in a system that is expansionary and full of co-dependencies. The jury is still out whether we can turn this around and once again become just one of the species that occupy this Earth. Today’s guest Lisi Krall explains us what ultrasociality is. Look out for her new book entitled Better harvest: Inquiry into the war between economy and the Earth coming out in Spring 2022.