Economic degrowth as a solution to environmental conflicts?

Abstract

Since the mid-20th century, economic growth has played a crucial role in improving the living conditions of millions of people, raising standards of well-being, and expectations regarding the availability of goods and services. However, the positive transformations have been accompanied by an alarming increase in the exploitation of the planet's resources and the growing income and opportunity inequality, both globally and locally. This article provides preliminary a comparative analysis of natural resource usage across eight regions, based on data from the Global Footprint Network for the year 2018. The results highlight the concerning pattern of the current consumption model: economically developed regions tend to exert disproportionate pressure on degradation, while less affluent regions demonstrate greater environmental regeneration capacity. The need to reconsider economic models with the aim of achieving a balance between socio-economic well-being and natural well-being is emphasized.