Rethinking Prosperity on a Finite Planet

This alternative economics series will bring together leading voices in environmental economics, industrial policy, post-growth scholarship, and global political economy.

The campaign title 'Rethinking Prosperity on a Finite Planet' written in purple on a white background. On the right hand side is a circular illustration including a photo of a person holding a small plant in their hands
Off

Have we outgrown our current, growth-obsessed economic system?

It is a system that defines ‘prosperity’ as profit and relentlessly pursues this at the expense of our planet. Its extractive and exploitative practices are driving the climate and nature crisis, damaging human health and fuelling global inequality. 

Is there a viable alternative - one that can help us achieve a more sustainable future? 

In this series, we explore whether the existing economic frameworks are sufficient to deliver climate stability and ecological resilience, and discuss what alternative or complementary paradigms may be required. 

Through events, workshops and articles - we will bring together leading voices from environmental economics, industrial policy, post-growth scholarship, and global political economy to examine the structural conditions of the transition.

View our full programme below


Events

Poster for Outgrow the System film screening including the film title and event details written on a white background. A thumbnail for the film, which has the title written on a purple, patterned background, also features on the poster.

Outgrow the System - film screening and Q&A

Thursday, 21st May -  6pm - 8pm

The Diamond - Lecture Theatre 5

 This film introduces the new economic perspectives that have the potential to change the world at its core. It envisions a world where social movements around the globe can rally behind positive visions instead of opposing dystopias.

Following the film screening, there will be a Q&A with the directors, Cecilia Paulsson and Anders Nilsson.

Book tickets for Outgrow the System film screening

Poster for Radical Abundance with Keir Milburn including the event title and front cover of the book

Radical Abundance with Keir Milburn

Thursday, 11th June -  3pm - 5pm

Arts Tower - Lecture Theatre 5

Join us for this fascinating discussion with writer & activist, Keir Milburn, where we will talk about his book 'Radical Abundance: How to Win a Green Democratic Future' and explore alternatives to the current economic system, and crucially, how we get there.

There is no need to have read the book prior to coming along. However, in the run up to the talk, we will be running a reading group which will meet several times to discuss the book. Please sign up to register your interest for the reading group.

The book is available in digital form from the University Library, and can be purchased with a 30% discount from Pluto using the promo code: GRANTHAM30.

Book tickets for Radical Abundance with Keir Milburn

Articles

A wooden sign which reads "Sustainable Development Goals" and a 'wrong way' sign' in the foreground in front of a stunning landscape featuring a lake and a mountain.

Putting the brakes on ‘Sustainable Development’: why the final sprint is leading us the wrong way

Is the 'Sustainable Development Goals' framework actually damaging to people and the planet? In this article, Grantham Associate, Professor Joanna Gavins, explains why, at its core, the SDGs framework harms the planet by promoting economic growth as the key to prosperity.  Discover why she claims the world desperately needs a new framework for talking about the environment, society, and global justice.

Read the full article about the SDGs framework

Events at the University

Browse upcoming public lectures, exhibitions, family events, concerts, shows and festivals across the University.