The economy cannot grow infinitely on a finite planet. Instead, the postgrowth economy can: meet social needs without overshooting planetary limits; prioritize care, community, and cooperation; and give people the economic security and freedom to live dignified, meaningful lives. In this primer series, Commons Network, together with Oxfam Novib, explores how European countries can break away from dependency on economic growth and prioritize social wellbeing and thriving ecosystems.
For the first primer in the series, we zoom in on Food Systems Beyond Growth. How can the European food system ensure dignified livelihoods for farmers and secure the right to food for all within planetary boundaries? This policy primer, featuring examples like the citizen-led initiative Herenboeren from the Netherlands and policy pilots in France, answers this and more questions.
In the Welfare Beyond Growth policy primer, we offer an alternative to the growth-centred welfare narrative. We demonstrate that the obsession with GDP is incompatible with solving the ecological crisis; and that more growth is not necessary to create economic security and social wellbeing in Europe.
A different approach to work is possible. Post-growth is about growing industries that are necessary for human wellbeing and the environmental transition, such as sustainable construction, agroecology, and renewable energy, and offering fair wages and better working conditions in these sectors. The Work Beyond Growth primer will provide an overview of possible routes for post-growth work.
This series is the product of discussions facilitated by Commons Network and partners in the Postgrowth Pan-European Network since 2023. The network brings together Members of Parliament, trade union representatives, and postgrowth experts to discuss policies and strategies to advance the postgrowth agenda.