If the global population follows UN projections, we will consume the resources of three planets each year by 20502.
In a world where we must reduce our emissions by 42% by 2030, economic degrowth emerges as a concrete and hopeful solution. Far from being a deprivation, this approach redefines our relationship with consumption to create a more balanced and sustainable future.
Growing scientific and institutional recognition
The IPCC reports from 2022-2023 now mention degrowth as a legitimate climate mitigation strategy. This recognition marks an important turning point in global environmental thinking.
In parallel, the OECD highlights in its 2024 outlook that global growth remains moderate, opening the way to more sustainable alternative economic models.
Degrowth and sustainable development: a natural alliance
This approach does not mean going backward, but rather an intelligent reorientation of our priorities. It prioritizes quality of life, social relationships, and environmental health rather than material accumulation.
Communities that experiment with these models often report improved collective happiness and reduced stress related to overconsumption.
Concrete benefits for the environment
The voluntary reduction of production and consumption automatically generates a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. This approach aligns perfectly with carbon offset and continuous carbon improvement objectives. It allows businesses and individuals to rethink their real needs and optimize their environmental footprint.
Europe shows the way
The European Green Deal perfectly illustrates this transition toward a more sober economy. The European Commission promotes an approach that aims to “transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient economy” by 2050. This European vision demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile economic prosperity with respect for planetary boundaries.
Innovation serving sobriety
Green technologies and degrowth complement each other harmoniously. Energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon offset solutions become even more effective in a context of reasoned consumption. This synergy creates a positive multiplier effect for the environment.
Toward a new economic model
Degrowth opens the way to a well-being economy where success is measured differently than by GDP alone:
- it encourages social innovation;
- promotes local employment;
- strengthens community resilience to climate challenges.
This approach represents an extraordinary opportunity to create a more equitable and sustainable world, where continuous carbon improvement becomes natural and where everyone can contribute positively to our planet’s future.
Planetair supports this transition
Faced with these challenges, Planetair offers concrete carbon offset and continuous carbon improvement solutions adapted to businesses and individuals. Our programs allow you to measure, reduce, and offset your environmental footprint while supporting local sustainable development projects.
This approach fits perfectly within a responsible degrowth approach, where every action counts to preserve our planet.
To read more climate related news by Planetair, click here!
Sources
IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Sixth Assessment Report (2022-2023)
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Emissions Gap Report 2024
https://www.unep.org/emissions-gap-report-2024
OECD, OECD Economic Outlook, Interim Report September 2024
https://www.oecd.org/fr/publications/perspectives-economiques-de-l-ocde-rapport-intermediaire-septembre-2024_f3e84c18-fr.html
European Commission, The European Green Deal (2024)
https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_fr
Government of Canada, 2023-2024 Report on the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
https://www.canada.ca/fr/promotion-economique-canada-atlantique/organisation/transparence/2023-2024-strategie-ministerielle-developpement-durable.html
