: Economics

News from Population Matters.

  • Walking in a forest

    Beyond Growth – The Promise of a Wellbeing Economy

    In this guest blog, econometrician and sustainability researcher Gaya Herrington considers whether a transition to a Wellbeing Economy is possible and what that would mean for our society and how…

  • Abandoned industry

    What are the criticisms of degrowth?

    We continue our series exploring alternative economic models. Here in the second part of our series on Degrowth, a model that calls for deliberately reducing energy and resource consumption within the economy, we examine the criticisms of degrowth.

  • Wind renewable energy

    Degrowth: Rethinking Our Economic Future

    The concept of Degrowth challenges the conventional belief that endless economic growth is the only thing to strive for. It offers a vision for a sustainable future by addressing the environmental and social costs of growth-focused economies.

  • Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

    Beyond Profit: An Introduction to the Solidarity Economy

    In a world where economic growth often overshadows community and environmental well-being, the concept of the “solidarity economy” offers a refreshing perspective. Unlike traditional models focused on profit maximisation and market competition, the solidarity economy emphasises cooperation, social equity and ecological sustainability.

  • Cafe scene

    Can social capitalism Fix Our System?

    Social capitalism is an approach that prioritises people’s welfare over profit. It’s capitalism with a focus on improved social outcomes and more environmental sustainability. But can capitalism be adapted to put people and planet before profit? 

  • Local Economy

    Local Economy: Strengthening Communities with Sustainable Growth

    The Local Economy focuses on fostering sustainable growth, creating job opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life within a specific community or region. This approach strengthens communities’ economies by supporting local businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.  

  • Rethinking Prosperity: How the Care Economy Redefines Success

    How can we reorient economies to prioritise people and the planet over profit? The Care Economy is one such reimagining, that values human wellbeing and sustainability above traditional profit-driven approaches, which undervalue and neglect care work. 

  • The Big Growth Lie: Herman Daly and his Vision for a Steady Future

    When we think of economic growth, it’s often assumed that more is always better. But for Herman Daly, one of the founding voices in ecological economics, this growth mindset is fundamentally flawed.

  • Right to Repair: A Path Towards Circular Economics

    Today is International Repair Day, an annual event to celebrate those who help consumers repair their products, reducing their impact upon the planet. The right to repair movement is a crucial part of the transition to a circular economy.

  • Scales

    Balancing Act: How the Steady-State Economy Seeks Equilibrium

    If the steady-state economy were to be encapsulated in single word, it would be balance. It is a concept that seeks to establish an equilibrium between growth and environmental integrity, between production and population growth.