growdown

Wellbeing without growth

We've been tought that we cannot achieve wellbeing for all of humanity without economic growth. Unfortunately, this is only true for some, and the vast mayority of the world doesn't benefit from the global increase of wealth.

There is indeed a correlation between personal wellbeing and an increase in income, but this effect is limited. While increasing personal income beyond a point brings a feeling of safety and even happiness, this stops improving after a certain level of income. After that, stress and worries increase.

And beyond the few that benefit from increased wealth, people are suffering from other consequences of growth: pollution, destruction of nature, hacination in urban centers, and the increased effects of climate change. If anything, it looks like growth is actually reducing wellbeing for most people, instead of making their lives better!

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