Degrowth versus sustainable development
As part of the upcoming international Degrowth in the Americas conference May 13 to 19, Concordia will host a discussion led by Hervé Phillippe, a genomics expert in Université de Montréal’s Department of Biochemistry and co-author of Décroissance versus développement durable - Débats pour la suite du monde.
His book suggests that the notion of sustainable development cannot adequately address the the problem of the depletion of the world’s natural resources. The very concept of sustainable development, according to the book, is oxymoronic and contains an implied compromise between respect for the environment and economic growth, given that all exponential growth is unsustainable.
Proponents of convivial degrowth argue that since infinite growth in an infinite world is impossible; degrowth will eventually be imposed on all of us and that voluntary simplicity on an individual level is the first step in moving away from what he calls the current "productivist-consumerist" model of society.
What: Degrowth versus sustainable development talk with Hervé Phillipe
When: Sunday, May 13 at 2 p.m.
Where: Alumni Auditorium, Room H-110, Henry F. Hall Building (1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.), Sir George Williams Campus
The degrowth conference will take place on the campuses of HEC Montréal, McGill, Université de Montreal and UQÀM and will include lectures, panel discussions and film screenings, as well as art, video and cultural exhibits. Various social movements and groups focused on alternative food, housing and cooperative initiatives will also be represented.
Among the other lecturers participating in the conference is Dr. David Suzuki, who is widely regarded as a world leader in sustainable ecology. His talk, entitled Humanity in Collision with the Biosphere: Is it Too Late?, is scheduled for Friday, May 18. Watch NOW for confirmed event information.
Related links:
• “International Conference Explores Concept of Degrowth” – NOW, April 17, 2012
• Degrowth in the Americas conference site