Sustainability researchers endorse post-growth policy instruments for the European Union

Manuel Suter, Kimberly Nicholas, Jacob Hasselbalch, Nick Fitzpatrick and Nils Droste
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Nils Droste: Lund University

No krwe9_v1, SocArXiv from Center for Open Science

Abstract: This study surveyed 1,734 sustainability policy researchers from 97 countries on the potential, feasibility, and dependence on economic growth of 88 policy instruments from post-growth literature for implementation in the European Union. Fifty instruments across eleven themes were endorsed by a majority of respondents as ones that should be part of an EU sustainability policy mix aiming for reduced ecological footprints, securing well-being, and increasing equity. Nine policy instruments stood out for their high perceived potential, feasibility, and independence from economic growth: phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, greening credit regulations, North-South technology transfer, carbon consumption taxes, long-term warranties, repair infrastructure, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, ecological education, and environmental justice-focused education. Perceptions of higher policy potential were closely associated with greater perceived feasibility and a degrowth orientation in respondents’ own work. The findings suggest that many post-growth policies are viewed as realistic and legitimate options for the EU.

Date: 2025-11-25
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:osf:socarx:krwe9_v1

DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/krwe9_v1

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