? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

Kōhei Saitō questions the sanctity of Capitalism in Slow Down: TheDegrowth Manifesto. Under the current growth-based economic model, poverty is rampant, healthcare is lacking, and climate change is a persistent reality. Saitō knows that none of that is news by any means, but what he will bring to the table is an argument against so-called “sustainable growth,” which he thinks is the root of our problems.

A “dangerous compromise”: According to Saitō, it is impossible to reverse climate change under capitalism, because the model is driven by profit and growth rather than utility. In fact, this economic model is exactly why climate change exists in the first place.

What can be done? The author argues for degrowth and deceleration, which means curbing mass production and consumption. This way, essential labor can take priority over profits that go into the pockets of those in power, whose greed is responsible for the deteriorated state of the planet — basically shifting the power from corporations to our communities.

You can find the book on Amazon.

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