Slow Down: How Degrowth Communism Can Save the Earth

Green capitalism cannot save the planet because it is fundamentally incompatible with Earth's life-support systems. A transformation of our economic life is necessary to save us from climate collapse, and Karl Marx's vision of degrowth communism is the only alternative. We must slow down to avoid the most terrible political prospects of climate change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Will green capitalism save the planet?

Is it even trying?

Not when the very logic of the capitalist system pits it against Earth's life-support systems, as the Japanese philosopher Kohei Saito demonstrates in this astonishing international bestseller.

Drawing on cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, Saito shows how nothing but a transformation of our economic life can save us from climate collapse. Karl Marx himself reached this breakthrough at the end of his life, long before climate change had even begun. It radically altered his vision of proletarian revolution. Now that we are entering our own end-game, we must grasp Marx's final lesson before it is too late.

If we are to avoid the most terrible political prospects of climate change, the future must belong to degrowth communism, a fair and humane existence within the limits of nature. There is no alternative: the endless acceleration of capital has run out of road. We must slow down.

The capitalist system is fundamentally at odds with the Earth's natural systems, as demonstrated by the Japanese philosopher Kohei Saito in his groundbreaking international bestseller. Saito's book, based on extensive research across various disciplines, argues that only a complete transformation of our economic system can prevent climate collapse. Karl Marx himself reached a similar conclusion towards the end of his life, long before climate change emerged as a global concern. This transformative insight fundamentally altered Marx's understanding of the proletarian revolution.

As we face the imminent threat of climate change, it is crucial that we heed Marx's final lesson before it is too late. If we are to avoid the most catastrophic political outcomes, the future must be shaped by degrowth communism, a fair and compassionate way of life that respects the boundaries of nature. There is no alternative to this path: the relentless pursuit of capital growth has reached its limits. We must embrace a slowdown and find a sustainable balance with the Earth's ecosystems.

Green capitalism, often portrayed as a solution to climate change, falls short of addressing the fundamental contradictions inherent in the capitalist system. While it may introduce some environmental measures and promote sustainable practices, its core principles remain incompatible with the preservation of the planet. The pursuit of profit and economic growth, driven by market forces, continues to exploit natural resources and contribute to climate change.

Moreover, the logic of capitalism encourages short-term thinking and a focus on immediate gains, rather than long-term sustainability. Companies prioritize profits over environmental concerns, leading to practices such as deforestation, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. This shortsighted approach undermines the efforts to mitigate climate change and jeopardizes the well-being of future generations.

To truly address climate change, we need to move beyond the confines of green capitalism and embrace a more holistic and systemic approach. This requires a fundamental shift in our economic and social structures, away from the dominance of profit-driven markets and towards a more equitable and sustainable system.

Degrowth communism, as proposed by Saito, offers a promising vision for a sustainable future. It advocates for a reduction in economic growth and the adoption of a more modest and sustainable way of life. This includes reducing consumption, promoting renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable practices in agriculture and industry. Degrowth communism also emphasizes the importance of social justice and equity, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are distributed fairly among all members of society.

In addition to promoting a more sustainable economy, degrowth communism also recognizes the interconnectedness of human beings and the natural world. It acknowledges that our actions have profound impacts on the environment and that we must work towards a harmonious relationship between the two. This requires a shift in our mindset, from one of dominance and exploitation to one of respect and stewardship.

To achieve degrowth communism, we need to address the root causes of climate change, including the disproportionate power and wealth held by a small elite and the systemic inequalities that perpetuate poverty and environmental degradation. This requires a political and social revolution that challenges the existing power structures and promotes a more democratic and inclusive society.

Furthermore, we must recognize the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing climate change. The global nature of the problem requires a collective effort from all nations, regardless of their economic or political status. This requires a willingness to share resources, knowledge, and technology and to work towards common goals and objectives.

In conclusion, green capitalism may have some positive environmental impacts, but it falls short of addressing the fundamental contradictions inherent in the capitalist system. To truly save the planet from climate change, we need to embrace degrowth communism and a more holistic and systemic approach. This requires a reduction in economic growth, the adoption of sustainable practices, and a shift in our mindset towards respect and stewardship of the natural world. International cooperation and collaboration are also essential in achieving this goal. By working together, we can create a sustainable future that preserves the planet for future generations.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399612975