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.
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
What is water worth? Moving beyond the price tag
Wednesday, 26h August - 5pm - 7pm
The Diamond - Lecture Theatre 2
How do we decide what water is worth? For much of her career, Professor Julia Martin-Ortega has explored how economics can help societies make better decisions about water and the natural environment. But over time, her work has also led her to question whether everything that matters can—or should—be expressed in monetary terms.
In this talk, Julia will trace her journey from environmental economics towards ecological economics, and from monetary valuation towards approaches that recognise the many different ways people understand and value water. Drawing on more than 20 years of research and policy engagement, she will reflect on what economics can contribute to addressing water challenges, where conventional approaches fall short, and why tackling today’s environmental crises may require us to rethink not only how we value nature, but the role of economics itself.
Book tickets for Julia Martin-Ortega talk
Why welfare states depend on economic growth - and how that could change
Thursday, 24th September - 5pm - 7pm
Location: tbc
Join us for this fascinating discussion with Professor Milena Büchs as we explore the relationship between economic growth and the welfare state.
Critiques of economic growth are receiving increased scientific and public attention. The post-growth literature discusses how wellbeing for all can be achieved within planetary boundaries. However, current welfare states are often seen as growth dependent. The drivers of welfare state growth dependencies and related policy responses remain poorly understood.
In this talk, Milena will give an overview of drivers and policy responses based on research which used a semi-systematic literature review and was funded by the Horizon Europe funded MAPS project. The analysis identifies key drivers that the literature discusses such as the growth dependence of employment and related welfare funds, rent extraction and for-profit provisioning, increasing inequality, ageing societies, political power of vested interests, and environmental impacts.
The event will include a drinks reception, audience Q&A, and an opportunity for informal networking and discussion following the talk. A limited online attendance option will also be available for those unable to join us in person.
Book tickets for Milena Büchs talk
Phoebe Koundouri
Thursday, 22nd October - 5pm - 7pm
Location: tbc
In this session we will be speaking to Phoebe Koundouri, Professor of Environmental Economic at Athens University of Economics and Business.
Pheobe is a Professor of Environmental Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business and a Visiting Professor at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on sustainable development, climate economics, natural resource management, and the relationship between environmental sustainability, society, and the economy. She is Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Global Climate Hub and has advised organisations including the United Nations, World Bank, European Commission, and OECD on climate and sustainability policy.
The event will include a drinks reception, audience Q&A, and an opportunity for informal networking and discussion following the talk. A limited online attendance option will also be available for those unable to join us in person.
Book tickets for Phoebe Koundouri talk
Articles
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
Past events
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.
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.
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.
Work and Prosperity: Capitalist Realities, Radical Futures, and how to get there
Tuesday, 7th July - 5pm - 7pm
The Diamond - Lecture Theatre 6
Work directly connects us to the economic process - it is how we produce and how we earn the money we need to consume. Consequently, work must be a central piece of any rethinking of prosperity.
In this event our speaker, Simon Mair (University of York), will draw together empirical modelling and economic philosophy to explore labour dynamics under capitalism, and in radical economic traditions. In doing so he will show how rethinking work can help us achieve our environmental and social goals.