“Degrowth” involves a purposeful contraction of the economy
Some climate-focused economists see the COVID-19 pandemic as an unwitting experiment for a radical strategy to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. The concept is called “degrowth.” It involves a planned slowdown of economic sectors that emit large amounts of global carbon dioxide. Those sectors would scale down until the broader economy meets “sustainable emissions levels,” advancing long-term health and environmental goals.
Natasha Chassagne of the University of Tasmania: There are “opportunities we can take away from the coronavirus emergency.” …
“‘Degrowth’ involves a purposeful contraction of high-emitting sectors while growing other sectors that produce low or zero emissions.”
Outbreak reveals radical climate idea: Economic ‘degrowth’
By Daniel Cusick, E&E News reporter Climatewire:
Proponents of the controversial idea, which has found traction mostly outside the United States, stress that “degrowth” involves a purposeful contraction of high-emitting sectors while growing other sectors that produce low or zero emissions. The COVID-19 pandemic, by contrast, is an unplanned crisis that has sent the entire global economy into a tailspin.
Marc Morano – Climate Depot – March 31, 2020.