Downstream: Infinite Growth Will Lead to Collapse w/ Jason Hickel

The pursuit of endless GDP growth is fundamentally incompatible with ecological stability and human well-being, necessitating a transition toward degrowth. Economic anthropologist Jason Hickel argues that capitalism inherently misallocates productive capacity, prioritizing profitable but destructive industries like fossil fuels and fast fashion over essential social infrastructure. Addressing the climate crisis requires moving beyond market-based solutions toward democratic, socialist planning that prioritizes ecological targets and human needs. High-income nations must scale down unnecessary production to stay within planetary boundaries, while global South countries may require targeted growth to build essential infrastructure. Current geopolitical structures, characterized by U.S. imperial dominance, further exacerbate these crises by suppressing national development and maintaining unequal supply chains. Ultimately, achieving rapid decarbonization depends on reclaiming public control over finance and production to ensure resources are directed toward sustainable, life-affirming outcomes rather than capital accumulation.