Perceptions of degrowth in the European Parliament

Giorgos Kallis, Riccardo Mastini () and Christos Zografos
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Giorgos Kallis: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Riccardo Mastini: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Christos Zografos: Universitat Pompeu Fabra

Nature Sustainability, 2024, vol. 7, issue 1, 64-72

Abstract: Abstract Degrowth is a sustainability strategy that is attracting increasing scientific interest, but is seen as too radical for politicians to accept, especially when compared with ‘green growth’. Here we use Q methodology to investigate viewpoints of political elites on degrowth and green growth by inquiring the views of 41 elected members of the European Parliament. We find opinions clustered around three distinct discourses: a ‘Post-growth Deal’, closer to degrowth, an ‘Ecosocialist Green New Deal’ and finally a ‘Liberal Green Deal’, linked to green growth. Green growth opinions are found in the centre-right of the political spectrum while two distinct centre-left/left discourses (post-growth and eco-socialism) are respectively critical and agnostic towards growth and coalesce on public investment, environmental justice, and working-hours reduction. Radical sustainability opinions therefore exist among elected policy makers, and consensus does not necessarily build on supposedly win–win options that combine growth and sustainability. Questions remain over when and how such radical opinions may find expression in concrete policies.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-023-01246-x

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