Blue degrowth at the crossroads: contesting the oceanic sustainable development paradigm

Borja Nogué-Algueró, Maria Hadjimichael, Irmak Ertör, Borja Nogué-Algueró, Maria Hadjimichael, Irmak Ertör, Borja Nogué-Algueró, Maria Hadjimichael and Irmak Ertör

Chapter Chapter 4 in Dialogues for Degrowth, 2025, pp 44-55 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: During the last decade, key actors in the international development and sustainability spheres have increasingly framed the economic potential of the sea as a key asset in resolving humanity’s most pressing social and environmental problems. The imperative for the sustainable development of the Ocean, articulated under the concepts of a Blue Economy or Blue Growth, has become a central stage in mainstream environmental governance. As a marine actualization of the sustainable development paradigm, mainstream Blue Economy discourses position the Ocean as a new global economic frontier, where scientific innovation and market incentives are supposed to allow for the harmonious expansion of economic activity and environmental conservation. In response, some researchers and activists have begun to use the term Blue Degrowth as a radical critique and alternative proposal to the hegemony of the oceanic sustainable development paradigm. In this chapter, we trace the evolution of such debates and highlight the potential of Blue Degrowth to articulate just and sustainable ocean futures. We also discuss existing and potential actors that can advance a Blue Degrowth-oriented movement towards achieving emancipatory forms of marine sustainability and ocean protection. As the concept of degrowth gains further traction in scientific and policy arenas, as well as in social and environmental struggles, we conclude by briefly considering the hurdles, risks, and opportunities to advance a Blue Degrowth counter paradigm in transforming society’s approach to the Ocean.

Keywords: Blue degrowth; Ocean; Commons; Economic frontier; Marine sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035320769
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