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Degrowth explained: A radical idea for a sustainable future

Do we need to shrink our economy to save the planet?

More money, more growth, more stuff. Can our economies keep on growing forever? And should they? A group of activists and academics are questioning the possibility of endless economic growth on a finite planet and are advocating for a bold solution: degrowth.

The movement argues for a 'democratisation of the economy' and for collectively managing key resources, like housing. This, they argue, would also help us to live more sustainably - and help in the fight against climate change. But critics argue that opposing economic growth is impractical and warn of negative consequences, especially for the most vulnerable.

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ journalist Alvaro Alvarez has been reporting on this. He joins us to explain the pros and cons of the theory. We also hear from Cambridge university professor Sam Fankhauser, and a TikToker in New Zealand who’s living her off-grid dream.

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Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
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Presenter: William Lee Adams
Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler
Video Journalists: Kesewaa Browne and Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

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