Can a Green New Deal target economic growth?

When: June 1, 2019

Saturday June 1 5.30pm – 10.30pm 

The Priory Arms, 83 Lansdowne Way, Stockwell, SW8 2PB 

Climate justice is inherently tied to economic justice, with our modern extractivist, growth-addicted economic model arguably fuelling the climate and ecological crises. But what does economic justice actually look like, and how can we push for it in an era of climate chaos?

Momentum is growing in the UK and the US for a ‘Green New Deal’ that seeks to tie together climate action and economic justice through massive state investment. But could such a programme simply exacerbate other ecological crises? Or further push the ecological burden of our consumption overseas? Can an economic system based on growth ever be environmentally just?

In an event to mark Global Degrowth Day on June 1st, we will explore the concept of degrowth and whether it’s necessary in the age of climate crisis, unpick the motivation for and economics behind the Green New Deal and discuss how, or if, it could jumpstart our transition towards a sustainable green economy that works for everyone. For more information on degrowth and Green New Deals please see degrowthuk.org/2019/04/03/green-new-deals-the-degrowth-perspective/

The event will take the form of a relaxed debate and panel discussion with plenty of time for audience participation. Doors will open at 5.30pm, with the debate starting at 6pm and lasting until around 8pm. However, please feel free to stick around afterwards for a drink.
 

Speakers will include:

Grace Blakely, Economics Commentator at the New Statesman and Research Fellow on IPPR’s Commssion on Economic Justice

Ajay Chandra, Wretched of the Earth Collective

Dr Jason Hickel, Lecturer in Anthropology at Goldsmiths, University of London and author of ‘The Divide: A Brief Guide to Global Inequality and its Solutions’

David Clarke, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Postive Money

…others to be confirmed.

**We regret that the venue is not wheelchair accessible. However, if you require assistance to access the venue please do not hesitate to contact the organisers. Alternatively, we are also aiming to record the debate and make it available online live or afterwards. More details on this to follow**