This policy essay introduces the Stability–Constraints Matrix, a framework for understanding the strategic options facing advanced economies as growth becomes more constrained and volatile. In uncertain times, stability is a North Star for economic strategy. The Stability–Constraints Matrix maps the interplay between constraints and institutional strength and reveals a landscape of strategic options for advanced … Continue reading Stability–Constraints Matrix
New Zealand’s economic model assumes growth will stabilise the system. But as structural constraints build, that assumption is becoming less reliable. This is not a forecast—it’s a strategy question. Global fuel disruptions, sudden tariffs and extreme weather events remind us that stability is not a natural equilibrium, but requires coordination. New Zealand’s economic strategy rests … Continue reading New Zealand Needs Another Plan for Economic Stability
An Oct 2024 report by EY NZ and WWF NZ, A Nature Positive Aotearoa, argues that a rapid, major boost to nature protection would contribute to long-term net GDP growth. However, there’s much in the report to support further thinking through a degrowth/post growth lens. NZ is in crisis with 66% of native forest, 90% … Continue reading A Post-Growth Nature-Positive Aotearoa
The current global economic growth model is increasingly at odds with the environmental and climate realities we face. Tackling climate change in growth settings will inevitably result in nature losses, which are not being adequately accounted for—a recent BCG report being a prime example. Climate change solutionism generates false optimism, perpetuating the idea that economic … Continue reading The Ill Logic of Addressing Climate Change to Save Growth While Growth Destroys Nature
The timing could not be sweeter for a new paper—Post-growth: the science of wellbeing within planetary boundaries—from the leaders of post-growth thinking, providing an overview of the current research. With concerns rising that economic growth in high income nations is not sustainable, socially beneficial or even economically achievable, post-growth research is centred on replacing the … Continue reading Post-Growth Science Explained
Degrowth responds directly to climate change and other sustainability and wellbeing issues, affecting energy and resource use. It is crucial not to overlook it when developing climate scenarios for the energy sector. The Aotearoa New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released Electricity Demand and Generation Scenarios, July 2024, reinforcing mainstream assumptions … Continue reading We Need Degrowth Energy Scenarios
Heliocene 